James Keats Cooley, MD, of Patersonville, NY, passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2025 at Albany Medical Center, in Albany, NY. His family was by his side. He is preceded in death by his wife Vivian Cooley, and children who were taken too soon: Kathleen, Donald, Stephen, David and his dear Diane Nortz, who passed this last year. His companion of several years, Sylvia Hauser, passed in 2022.

He was the last of the four brothers: William S Cooley, Daniel J Cooley and Thomas R Cooley have passed. He is survived by his son-in-law, Joe Nortz, and his brother Tom's kids: Susan, Cheryl and Mike and his wife Amy, who all thought of him much like a father. He leaves behind many nephews and nieces, grand nephews and nieces and their familes.

He was born May 20th 1930, to Ernest Cooley, a carpenter and house builder, and Mary G. Cooley, a schoolteacher, of East Herkimer, NY. Between the two of them, he was raised to love the land and hard work, building a house every summer break, and to love books and higher learning. Ernest had 120 bee colonies and Jim was once stung 150 times. He played the harmonica and sang well. He graduated from Herkimer High School, class of 1948. Then he attended Hartwick College and went on to Loma Linda University, Ontario, CA to get his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1958. He interned at EJ Memorial for 1 year. 

The family lived in Pennsylvania for a few years and at one time he was the high school football team doctor. They called him "Cool Hands Cooley", because his hands were often cold. He would chuckle at telling this story. The family came back to New York state and he practiced at his office in Delanson, NY for several decades. He became a pillar of the community, and was known simply as "Doc". For several years combined, he worked for NYS in the school and prison system. He was a great friend to many and his many friends were a solace to him when he suffered loss. Helping and healing brought him happiness, and he wouldn't hesitate to pick up the phone to check on one of his patients personally. 

Telling stories and jokes, helped to keep the coversation light, and he did this frequently. His best friend was Joe Canastra, and they were often in cahoots, supporting each other's ambitions. He travelled the world extensively, sometimes with a doctor's group, and at times, cared for impoverished communities around the world. He was often frugal, and knew what it was to go without, as he grew up in the Depression. Dandelion soup was a staple in those years. He spent where it mattered. Jim donated generously and privately to many organizations over the years. He loved his country dearly. He touched countless lives, through medicine, or just letting a friend or family member bend his ear. He had solid advice,  if you were privy to it. 

To know him, was to love him. Gentle, kind, generous, adventurous, loyal and humble. One of the best people many of us ever knew.  He lived an incredible life, and yet he was taken too soon. His loss is immeasurable to those that loved him and he will forever be missed.

* On Sunday 7/20/25, at 11 am, a graveside service will  be held at Grove Cemetary,  off Rt. 395 in Delanson, NY.  Followed directly by a Celebration of Life at the Bellevue Cafe on Broadway St. Schenectady, NY. All family and close friends are invited to attend. 

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