James Rigney Birdsall, 74, a resident of Lagrangeville for over twenty years, died on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Kaplan Family Residence. .
Born in Wolcott, CT on October 4, 1937, he was the son of the late Roy and Connie Root Birdsall.

Diamond Jim, as many referred to him, was a highly skilled Electrical Engineer whom led the movement toward Cable Satellite Television in the NY Metropolitan area in the early 1970's.

Self-employed for the majority of his life, Diamond embraced the Information Technological Age.

His interests outside of Science and Engineering included Automobiles, Guns, and wildlife.

Jimmy was particularly fond of dogs.

An avid supporter of the American Legion, the NRA and the Republican Party, he proudly served our country in the US Air Force.

Jim was a long time member of the Hopewell Reformed Church.

On March 2, 1965 in New York City, James married Zita Hidrovo who survives at home. He is also survived by his sons, Richard James Birdsall of LaGrange, Jack Gregory Birdsall of Chicago, IL and Edward Roy Birdsall along with his wife, Michelle Rachel and their thirteen month old son Dylan James Birdsall, his grandson, of Brewster; his sister, Betty Graborski of Wolcott, CT; and his brother, Dick Birdsall of Danbury, CT.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 1-2 pm at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction followed by the Funeral Service at 2pm with Rev. Taylor Holbrook officiating. Interment will be in the Hopewell Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Kaplan Family Residence, 1 Sunrise Lane, Newburgh, NY 12550 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For driving directions, online condolences or memorial donations, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.