Jim Olmstead died on Oct. 16, 2024, at the Firefighter’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Firemen’s Home, in Hudson. He was 91 years old. Jim was born in Walton, one of five children, to Harry and Marion (Cole) Olmstead.
Jim graduated from Walton High School in 1951 and a year later started working at The Walton Reporter where he spent the rest of his working career.
He joined the Walton Fire Department in 1953 and devoted his life to firematics as a volunteer firefighter, department officer (including chief), Delaware County Fire Coordinator, and county arson investigator.
He married Muriel (Bunky, predeceased) Mosher on their high school graduation day. Jim and Bunky spent many winters in Glendale, Ariz., after retiring, where Jim became a part-time insurance fire investigator.
Jim is survived by his children: Mick Olmstead (Linda), Linda Sue Cucchiara (Charlie), and Richard Olmstead (Lorie), and by his two brothers: Cliff (Leo) and Jerry (Joan). Jim was predeceased by his sisters: Barbara Endress and Eleanor Boyd. Numerous grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren also survive.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Walton Fire Hall on Nov. 2, 2024. Calling hours, at the Fire Hall, will be from 10 - 11 a.m. followed by the Celebration at 11 a.m. and light lunch at noon. Grave-side services will be at 1:30 p.m.
Special thanks to the caring staff at the Firefighter’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Firemen’s Home in Hudson,.
Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, New York. Expressions of sympathy may be made online by visiting www.courtneyfh.com
