On Sunday, April 12, 2015, James R. Kidder began his eternal rest, at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born October 1, 1942 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Jim was the son of Fred R. Kidder and Elizabeth (Willis) Kidder. He was raised in Staatsburg, and enjoyed having Norrie Point and Mills Mansion as his playgrounds.

Jim and his sister, Sue, attended Staatsburg Union Free School. Jim played on the basketball team and was valedictorian of his graduating class. He received his Associate's Degree from Dutchess Community College and his Bachelor's in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz.

Jim was proud to be a part of the inaugural teaching staff at Gayhead Elementary School in Hopewell Junction. For most of his 33 years of teaching, he was a 5th grade teacher. Many of Jim's students stayed in touch with him through their adult years. He always enjoyed meeting them as adults and learning the career choices they had made.

In 1966, Jim married Margaret Fino of Hudson. Jim's commitment to his family was unparalleled. In 1974, the birth of his son Jamie, a physically and mentally challenged person, turned Jim's' life upside down. Jim dedicated his life to the daily care of Jamie including a rigorous exercise program. In 1979, when his daughter Merlyn was born, Jim's circle of love expanded to make Merlyn's interests his own. On June 30, 2010, the birth of grandson Aldrin was a source of great joy for Jim. His last days were blessed by Aldrin's presence.

Jim was an avid sports fan. He followed the Yankees, Giants, NASCAR and was a Marist Women's Basketball season ticket holder. He was thrilled to be in Yankee stadium to see Mickey Mantle hit his 500th home run!

Jim loved animals and over the years many cats shared his life and love. In his final days, Ava and Nala (grandson Aldrin's cats), rarely left Jim's side. Nala slept on Jim's bed during his final days and kept her paw outstretched over Jim's leg to provide him comfort.

Family, friends, students and colleagues will always remember the 6' 5" gentle giant for his soft voice and gentle smile.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Kidder. He is survived at home by his loving wife Margaret; son, James F. Kidder; daughter, Merlyn L. Akhtar; and grandson, Aldrin M. Akhtar. On Jim's side, he is also survived by his sister, Susan (Kenneth) Powell (Miami) and niece, Kelly LaGarde (NC). On Margaret's side, Jim is survived by parents-in-law, Gary & Merlyn Fino of Hudson; sister-in-law, Polly (Fino) Desantis of Yorktown Heights; nieces, Katherine (Desantis) Martin, Margaret (Desantis) Spencer, Phillis (Desantis) Clermont; and nephew, Guy DeSantis. He is also survived by 11 grand nieces and nephews.

Jim was at home in hospice care from February 3, 2015 until his demise on April 12, 2015. During that time, Jim and his family chose to have a celebration of life marked by visits with family and friends, a photo tree depicting his life, and a memory book filled with notes from visitors and e-mails from those who could not visit to share their stories in person. On March 5, 2015, Hospice Chaplain Chris Boyd officiated at a marriage renewal ceremony for Jim and Margaret.

In lieu of remembrances, we ask that you pass on Jim's legacy of helping others by doing an act of kindness for yourself or a loved one. A memorial service is planned for later date. McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.