James J. Hoin

James John Francis Hoin, PA-C, Retired U.S. Army Major, 72, of Brunswick, NY died on Sunday, March 16 after a long courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. He is the son of James and Earlene (Guy) Hoin. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marie (Pendergast), son Justin Michael (Ballston Spa, NY), daughter Ashley Christine (William) Liatsis, grandchildren Sofia Jean and Elias James (West Palm Beach, FL); brothers, Gregory (Ann) (Newcastle, ME) and John (Clifton Park, NY); sisters, Noreen Abdalla (Watervliet, NY) and Debra Long (Amsterdam, NY); his Pendergast in-laws’ William (Judy) (Flat Rock NC), Michael (Bonnie), John (Laurie), Matthew (Elizabeth), Philip (Karen) Glogowski (all of Troy, NY), and Richard Wolfe (Rotondo West, FL); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He attended Troy High School ‘70, Duke University BHS ‘84 Cum Laude, University of Nebraska MPAS ‘00 Summa Cum Laude.

He loved his country, having dedicated twenty five years of his life to the military, proudly serving with both the US Army and Navy: the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC; 10th Army Special Forces, Ft. Devens, MA; 2nd RAID Team, Scotia, NY; Watervliet Arsenal; Occupational Health Medicine Services, Latham, NY; the US Naval Academy Brigade Medical Unit, Annapolis, MD; Naval Branch Health Clinic, Ballston Spa, NY; and 210th Armor New York Army National Guard, Albany, NY.

His civilian career included Duke University Medical Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic, Albany Medical Center, and Community Health Plan, Urgent Care, in Latham, NY. After retiring from the military, always the tireless adventurer, he accepted medical positions in: Baghdad, Iraq; in Barrow, AK; at University of Rochester, at Bassett Healthcare, Cobleskill, NY; Guthrie Ambulatory Healthcare Clinic, Ft. Drum, NY; and Community Care Physicians, Latham, NY. Civilian or military, he cared deeply for all of his patients.

He was a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Eugene Stead Society, Duke Alumni Association, Military Association of New York, Society of Army Physician Assistants, Society of Navy Physician Assistants, New York State Society of Physician Assistants and Military Officers Association of America.

He always dressed impeccably and took pride in being an exceptional and well-rounded athlete. He was an avid runner, tennis and squash player throughout his life, but his baseball legacy and fervent love of basketball is passed onto his children. After retiring you would find him daily at the YMCA either swimming, bicycling or on the treadmill. Every workout was a competition with himself.

He loved to read, surrounding himself with poetry, and historical biographies, even into the later stages of his disease. He shared his affinity for all genres of music with his family, encouraging and supporting Justin with piano and Ashley with violin. He loved all movies, but especially stories of soldiers and action films.

He loved the outdoors, instilling an appreciation for the beauty of nature and outdoors with his children, through countless camping trips, hiking, and even taking up fly fishing in retirement. He loved all animals, and especially our pets. He was the Duke Men’s Basketball Team’s biggest, most enthusiastic fan for over 40 years.

Above all else, his family came first. No matter where his career took us, he always made sure there were adventures, and that we were happy and comfortable in our new surroundings. He supported his children and volunteered in their various activities. All of his interests helped shape his children into the very unique individuals they are today. He was so very proud of them.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for James on Monday March 24th at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, Troy. Interment will be the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. Family and friends are invited and may call in the Daniel D. Purcell Funeral Home, 510 Pawling Avenue, Troy (corner of Pawling & Parkview Court) March 23rd from 4pm until 7pm.

We would like to thank all of the staff at the Sitrin NeuroCare Unit who cared for him compassionately and lovingly over the past three months.

In lieu of flowers please send donations (check or money order) in Jimmy’s memory to the Albany Chapter HDSA, c/o Cathy Peake, 21 Kodiak Dr., Averill Park, NY 12018.