James McArdle
ANDES -- James McArdle, 63, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 26, 2012. Born on March 6, 1949, to Frank and Frances McArdle of Great Neck, Jim was a graduate of Great Neck South.
After attending Kent State University, Jim moved to Oneonta in 1973, to begin his first business venture with high school friend, Steve Davidson. Together they opened J.J.'s, a Jewish-style delicatessen. It was there that Jim met a young SUNY Oneonta student, Dorothy Brophy, who became a waitress at the deli. This was the beginning of their 39-year love affair.
In 1975, Jim was offered a position at Tunis Lake in Andes. Jim and Dorothy moved into the old camp house at the lake thinking they would be there for the summer. Five years later they purchased that house and had happily resided there ever since. Jim and Dorothy married in 1978 and welcomed their daughter, Krista in 1984.
Jim will be remembered as a funny, yet insightful man. His wit was dry and subtle and appreciated by all who truly knew the man behind and quips. His comments, always short and to the point, could be hilarious or caustic and his advice was always sage and compassionate. He had a lasting impact on the lives of so many people in the Andes, Bovina and Delhi communities.
Jim's joy in life was his daughter, Krista. He was truly a super dad! Both he and Dorothy watched Krista grow into a beautiful and capable young woman, who inherited her father's sharp sense of humor and compassionate outlook on life.
Jim and Dorothy, his wife of 34 years, were best friends. They worked, played and loved together. They both shared a love for family, friends and Delaware County. They enjoyed traveling, especially to the Caribbean, Lake George and most recently Savannah, Ga., Hilton Head, S.C., and Chicago. They considered themselves very fortunate to have shared and enjoyed so many of life's travels together. Jim always considered himself so fortunate to have a great family, his own business and the opportunity to joyfully live life on his own terms.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at Cabin Hill Presbyterian Church, 7615 Cty. Hwy. 2 (Cabin Hill Road). The church is 6.4 miles from the blinking light in Andes. A reception will follow at the Andes Hotel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's name to either the Bovina or Andes emergency squads or the Andes Society for History and Culture.
Arrangements entrusted to the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.
