James McCann, known affectionately as "Jim," "Jimmy," "Butchman," "Jim Bob," and most endearingly as "Pop," passed away peacefully in Florida, embraced by the ocean breezes he had come to love in his final chapter. A loving father, husband, and lifelong New Yorker, Jim found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures – from tracking fingerprints to tracking fish.

For over three decades, Jim served with distinction at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in Albany, where he rose to supervisor in the fingerprint classification department. His dedication to public safety and passion for the science and justice of his work left an indelible mark on his community. After graduating from Vincentian Institute, Jim attended Mount Saint Mary’s in Maryland where he was a celebrated athlete and set school records in hurdles—which metaphorically speaks to his ability to overcome any obstacle placed before him in life. He later graduated from The State University of New York at Albany but valued the life of education through experience most. He always excelled in foundational school sports like track, baseball, and basketball, but his true passion lay in the great outdoors. Whether joining for an annual hunting trip, dropping deep sea lines off the coast of Maine or casting lines at Burden Lake, Jim loved sharing laughs on the water or around a campfire surrounded particularly by his brothers and friends that felt like family.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sherron, and his siblings: Annette Facteau, David McCann, MaryBeth Barry, Therese McCann, and Dennis McCann. He joins his beloved siblings Kevin McCann and Martha McCann in eternal rest. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Jennifer Jensen, Kate Dargaty, Paul McCann, Jordan McCann, Emily Erickson, and Stephen McCann, along with stepchildren James Kellison, Lezlie Kellison, and Margo Kellison Lightburn. Jim was preceded in death by his cherished son Jimmy. His role as "Pop" brought him immeasurable joy through his grandchildren: Carly, Anna, Zander, Owen, Finn, Devyn, Dyllan, Shayne, Kingston, Ari, Talia, Ruth, Sienna and baby boy Grant on the way.

Those who knew Jim will always remember his devastatingly dry humor and infectious laughter, his absolute devotion to the Yankees, and his love of his parents and his mother's Apple Kuchen. His final year in Florida brought him full circle to the water he loved, where he found pleasure in poolside relaxation, trips to the racetrack and ocean views. Jim's life was filled with both immense joy and his own personal share of sorrow, he lived a full “human experience” with love and loss as his North and South Pole, and his humor and spirit spread to all who knew him from East Coast to West Coast.

The McCann family will celebrate Jim's life privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SIDS Foundation in memory of his beloved son Jimmy, who we are sure awaited his father's arrival in the afterlife.

Jim's favorite saying might well have been that life is best served with a side of laughter – and he made sure to serve generous portions to all who crossed his path. 

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