James Armstrong

James M. Armstrong, 85, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at home in Woodstock, NY, surrounded by his family. Born March 21, 1940, in Monticello, NY, Jim was a guy who lived life to the fullest—always putting family first, serving his country, and doing what he could to help out in his community.

Jim grew up in Saugerties, where he graduated from Saugerties High School. His sense of duty was strong from the start, serving in the US Navy from 1961 to 1965 in the Vietnam War. He sailed aboard the USS England and USS Topeka as a Missile Telemetry Technician. That experience had a lasting impact on him and shaped much of the man he became.

After his time in the Navy, Jim’s curiosity and love for technology led him to SUNY Farmingdale, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Power Technology. He worked at IBM in Kingston as a mainframe programmer and customer engineer, but later seized the opportunity to branch out and run his own business, Brittany Feeds in Kingston. It’s safe to say that the animals (and their owners) loved him just as much as he loved them.

Jim was a lifelong Christian, and his faith was at the heart of everything he did. He was a member of St. John's in Woodstock, where he served as a CCD teacher and lector. He volunteered with the Pastoral Care ministry visiting patients at Benedictine Hospital. For many years, he supported the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon in Saugerties. He spent 24 years serving the community as part of the Centerville Fire Department, and after moving to Woodstock, earned his life membership in the Woodstock Fire District, Co. #4 as a Fire Police officer. Jim also gave his time to the Woodstock Zoning Board, making sure the town stayed on the right track.

A true outdoorsman, Jim learned to hunt from his father, and he always had an appreciation for nature’s beauty. He spent many weekends hunting, swimming, and escaping the “real” world at the family cabin. Jim brought many members of his extended family up to the camp to share his love of the outdoors with them, too.

Jim’s involvement with Scouting was another big part of his life. He was a former Cubmaster and Scoutmaster with Troops #131 and #36, and he spent several years on the Executive Board of the Rip Van Winkle Council. He believed deeply in the power of youth development and the importance of servant leadership.

Anyone who knew Jim would also remember his pretty terrible sense of humor and love for card games. He could tell a story like nobody else, and whether you were family or a friend, you could always count on him for a good laugh. His marriage to his wife, Sandi, added another layer of joy to his life that he cherished every day.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sandi Hopponen Armstrong; three children with Joan Holland: Austin Armstrong (Patti) of Pennsylvania, Jerry Armstrong (Lara) of Oklahoma, and Mary Beth Armstrong (Peter) of Washington; his bonus son, Chad Hopponen (Alyssa), of California; his brother, Alan Armstrong of Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and a niece and nephew, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Alice Lee Armstrong.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Woodstock Fire District. Co. #4. PO Box 1415 Woodstock, NY 12498  (PayPal Link)  or to hvhospice.org  There will be a celebration of Jim’s life at a future date to be announced.

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