James Donald Kane

James Donald Kane, 89, of Matthews, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center in Matthews. The family would like to thank the hardworking and dedicated staff of Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center in Mattews along with Liberty Hospice for all they have done for James. James was born in Troy, NY, on April 8, 1935, the son of William Kane and Helen Winarowski. He grew up in Troy, graduating from Troy High School. While in high school, he met Ms. Carol Demereski whom he went on to marry. They were married 24 years before she passed on April 23, 1986. Following high school, James worked many different and odd jobs before he ultimately found his calling at Sterling Winthrop Research Institute as a technician. In 1990, Eastman Kodak bought the company with plans to move it to Pennsylvania. Being 55 years old with roots and a family in Troy, James was not interested in relocating so he took the early retirement option offered to those who did not wish to relocate with the company. Retiring early meant James had a lot of time for doing other things he loved, and being the only man in a home with five daughters, a mother-in-law, and even a female dog, it is no surprise he loved to be outdoors. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing. And when the weather did not allow for outdoor time, James enjoyed working on his sacred space in the home, his “man cave”, also known as the den. Those who knew James knew he also had another talent not readily seen when you had the honor of dining with him. James could eat, and much more than you would expect of someone of his stature. Even in his later years in the nursing home, the staff was amazed at how much he loved food and how much he would eat. Most important to James, however, was his love of family and God. Blessed with a talent for working with his hands, he was often seen fixing what his daughter, Regina, could break. He prayed for all, especially keeping in prayer his wife who died 38 years ago and his daughter, Allison, who died 12 years ago. He was truly a loving and giving soul who will be missed by many. James is survived by his children: Sheila (husband Warren) Doyle of East Greenbush, NY, Colleen (significant other Joe Matthews) Smith of Matthews, NC, Regina (husband William) Raleigh of Mechanicville NY, and Jennifer Kane of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts; four grandchildren: Sean, Brenden, Jeremy and Autumn; and a sister, Mary Lou Kane of Troy, NY. James is further survived by five great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. James was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; a daughter, Allison; his parents; his brothers; William, Michael, John, Thomas (Santa), Richard and his mother-in-law, Sophie Demereski, who lived with them until 2000. James’ family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Troy, NY, on Tuesday, June 25th, with inurnment to follow at St Mary Cemetery in Troy.

James Donald Kane

April 8, 1935 - May 16, 2024