BRUNSWICK – Ernest D. “Jim” Pirman, age 86, of Brunswick, died peaceably at home with his daughters on Monday, November 9, 2015. Born in Brooklyn he was raised in Brooklyn and the Adirondacks of NY and Bradenton FL. Jim lived most his adult life in Brunswick with his dogs Pucky, Basil, Dumper, Blackie, and Brownie; and many friends. His pride and joy were his three daughters, Nancy, Kimball, and Heidi.
Jim graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic Preparatory County Day School for Boys ’45, Princeton University ’49 (where he was a member of Key and Seal, and excelled in competing on the wrestling team), and SUNY at Albany ’70.
He had many stories about his service on the U.S.S. Sabine during the Korean War. He was employed by H.N. Whitney Goadby as an investor. Earning his MSW, he was a caseworker for Renssalaer County Dept. of Social Services, and later Director of New York State Alternative to Incarceration Program for Youth 18 Years and Under which was his most rewarding job keeping kids out of the justice system.
Jim was a long time member of the ADK and enjoyed hiking the Adirondacks, chaired the whitewater committee for many years, and traveled above the Arctic Circle and to Alaska. The Adirondacks were his paradise.
He was friends of RPI Hockey and an avid NY Jets and Mets fan.
Jim was a friend of Bill W for 55 years.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Ernest J. Pirman and Ruth Dickinson Pirman. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Pirman-Weiss (Mitchell Weiss) of Carlisle, Mass., Kimball Pirman Stewart (David) of South Hill, Va., and Heidi P. DeGroff (Jean Benoit) of Troy; his grandchildren Katrina Weiss (Katy Salka), Adam Weiss, Brain Stewart, Hunter Coram (Brittany), Weston Stewart, Carlson Stewart, and Timothy DeGroff; and his great-grandchildren Hunter and Jasper; his sister, Ruth McCrea of East Hampton; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Marjorie Cauchois and Louise Root.
A memorial service will be celebrated in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Sunday afternoon at 1:00pm. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday beginning at 11:00am. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Condolence Messages
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[…] Hi, I knew Jim through the ADK Organization. I paddled many … by Ken Robbins […]
Chuck Wilkison
Jim was my inspiration related to white water paddling. While I was working away, Jim and other ADK ers were out paddling mid week on sunny days. I could hardly wait to retire so I could join them. I have fond memories of our paddles together.
Jim was a great guy and friend to all.
My condolences to all of us who knew him!
Chuck Wilkison
Bob Brand
Like many others I got to know Jim through ADK and whitewater paddling. I have fond memories of him regaling me with his stories as we drove from our common city of Troy to a river. He was a great guy and we’ll all miss him. My condolences to his family.
Ken Robbins
Hi,
I knew Jim through the ADK Organization. I paddled many canoe trips with Jim. Most of the trips were local whitewater trips but over the years we also paddled several longer wilderness trips together including such places as the Alagash in Maine, and the Spanish River, the Domoine River and Laverendye in Canada. He was a great paddling companion and a great conversationalist. There were few dull moments on a trip with Jim.
I feel greatly indebted to Jim for the many things I learned from him, as well as the fun time having spent with him.
My best wishes to all of Jim’s family and thank you for sharing some of his life with me.
Ken Robbins
Betty H.
I have known your Dad for 32 years. He was a great friend and mentor to me, We spent years a mutual friends of “Bill W,” Jim shared many a memory of gong to meetings in Brooklyn. He went to meetings with Bill and was especially impressed with “Ebby Thatcher”, last Fall, Jim and I went to pay our respects at Ebby’s grave at The Albany Rural cemetery. Jim spoke of meeting Ebby at McPikes. He spoke very highly of Ebby and was thrilled to pay his respects that day.
One of Jim’s favorite sayings was, ” I’d rather be kind than right.” I will try to follow in footsteps.
We both felt most spiritual walking our dog’s in the woods. Many a day, all seasons during the year, we would meet at his house and walk our dog’s
David
Hello Jim,
I know you will not get this electronically but you know that I will think of you not just tomorrow but throughout the rest of my days. Harriet, Mollie and I are visiting Chuck and Jen and our granddaughters. Being with you canoeing, walking in the woods and boating are high spots in my life. Your family and friends have become my friends, another thing to than you for.
Thinking of you and yours,
Love,
David