NISKAYUNA – James Otis Rodgers III, 85 of Niskayuna, NY passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026.

Born on May 28, 1941 in New Rochelle, NY, he was the beloved husband of Catherine M. "Kate" Rodgers, with whom he shared a lifetime of love. He was the son of the late James O. and Ruth (Carnes) Rodgers Jr. Jim spent the majority of his career working as a Commercial Banker with HSBC in Albany, NY.

Jim cherished his family. In addition to his wife, Kate, he is survived by his sons, James O. (Jennifer) Rodgers IV, Scott M. Rodgers (Melinda Miner), and Michael (Heidi) Rodgers. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Ethan, Riley, Ella, and Charlie, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his sister, Carlie Paul, along with many extended family members and friends.

Whether spending time with family and friends, enjoying a day on his boat, casting a fishing line, hunting at the A-Frame, camping, or seeking out the next great roller coaster, Jim found joy in life's adventures. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, NASCAR, fantasy football, fireworks, poker, and movies—especially shark movies. He loved music and took great pride in creating playlists and carefully curated CDs for family and friends. He was also a gifted guitarist; in his younger years he was the lead guitar player in his band "The Negative Plus" and later in life continued sharing his gift while conducting campfire singalongs with family and friends.

Jim also appreciated the simple pleasures in life: settling in with a good book, enjoying oysters and clams, savoring a Hurricane, Mai Tai, Bloody Mary, or his traditional Christmas grasshopper, and reminiscing about favorite travels to New Orleans and Hawaii. He could often be found playing endless games of solitaire on an old, outdated iPad that he refused to replace. He delighted in collecting knickknacks and miniature kits, but perhaps nowhere did his playful spirit shine brighter than at Christmas, when he lovingly wrapped gifts inside multiple boxes and filled them with clues that only he knew how to solve, creating memories his family will treasure forever.

Jim's greatest legacy is the family he adored and the memories he leaves behind which remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. A brief prayer service will conclude the visitation beginning at 6:30 PM. Interment to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of his lifelong love of reading and books, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to your local public library or a literacy organization of your choice, helping to share the joy of reading with future generations.

For further information or to extend a sentiment of condolence to Jim's family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.