James Richard Held

Loudonville - James R. Held of Loudonville (formerly North Greenbush) passed on April 6, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born on June 9, 1932 in Elmira, NY, the son of Paul and Shirley Stoll Held, later moving to the Troy area.

Jim was a graduate of the Wynantskill schools and LaSalle Institute. He completed his college education at night while working full-time, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Russell Sage College and a Master of Business Administration from Siena College. His management accounting career began with the Tek Hughes division of Johnson & Johnson, followed by GAF Corporation, the State University Construction Fund, and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, from where he retired as Finance Officer.

He had the good fortune to meet Ann Verdile, who was literally “the girl next door.” They married on September 11, 1955, and celebrated 70 loving years together last September. Favorite travel destinations included Cape Cod, Florida, California and New York City.

Jim served his community as a member and president of the Wynantskill School District Board of Education. He served his country as a member of the Naval Reserves, including a training tour in the Caribbean. His professional service included president of the Albany Chapter of the National Association of Accountants and membership on the Business Council of SUNY at Cobleskill.

Jim was an avid hiker who climbed 35 of the 46 Adirondack high peaks with family and friends and was a lifelong NY Football Giants fan. He was a member of the First Reformed Church of Wynantskill since 1949.

Jim is predeceased by his parents and brothers Jerald and John Held. He is survived by his wife and his sons, John (Mary) Held of Brunswick and Sarasota, Florida and James (Pamela) Held of Slingerlands; sister Jean Held of Burlington, Vermont, and sister-in-law Jeanne (Dennis) Nagengast of North Greenbush; his grandchildren Elizabeth Held, Michael (Abby) Held, Robert Held and William Held; great grand-daughter Maya Held; and many nieces and nephews. He loved and was proud of all his family.

The family appreciates the compassionate care provided to Jim by Albany Medical Center, The Community Hospice and the Loudonville Assisted Living Residence.

Friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life, on Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 AM at the First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, 413 Main Avenue with Rev. Bethany Popkes, Pastor, officiating. 

Burial arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the First Reformed Church of Wynantskill, PO Box 159, Wynantskill, NY 12198. We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle or for service directions.

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