NEW SCOTLAND — James Russell Loder had a fondness for all things technical that allowed him to found three companies and to help people in need. He died on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, with his loving family by his side. He was 71.

Born in Chestertown, Maryland, he was the son of the late Rev. Lester E. Loder and Winifred (née Stidolph) Loder. Both of his parents were natives of New York City.

Mr. Loder resided in Delaware and in Islip on Long Island before moving to Bayside Queens where he  attended school from grades six to 12. He graduated from Bayside High School in 1966. His family had a cabin in Speculator, New York where he would eventually meet his future wife.

“Jim showed an aptitude for all things mechanical and technical from an early age,” his family wrote in a tribute. He had an avid interest in amateur radios (Ham Radio Call sign WB2CMD) and communication technologies.

As a teenager, he was recruited to take part in a sea rescue on the Coast Guard Cutter Mariposa during a storm in Long Island. He set up radio communications when authorities lost contact with the search-and-rescue team. “His fondness for all things ‘technical’ would lead him to be employed in a variety of settings that would support his interest,” his family wrote.

Mr. Loder moved his family to the New Scotland area in 1970. He held various local jobs in the communication industry including AT&T and Conrail before establishing his three companies: New Scotland Communications, Tri City Beepers, and Empire Site Company Inc.

He was a social member of the Elsmere Fire Company and former member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. He provided technical and radio assistance to many local organizations, and businesses.  He believed in supporting his local community and donated radio services to Elsmere and Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Companies.

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James Russell Loder is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine (née Van Dyke) Loder of Clarksville; his daughter, Erika Butler, her husband, Thomas, and their daughter, Shayla, all of Delmar; his son, Russell Loder of Clarksville; his sister, Lucille Wilhelm of Boston, Massachusetts; his brother, David Loder of Reno, Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the Onesquethaw First Responders and the Albany County Sheriff’s Emergency Medical Services Division.

Calling hours were held at the Applebee Funeral Home in Delmar on Monday, Nov. 12.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Albany County EMS, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, 16 Eagle St., Albany, NY  12207 or to Onesquethaw Fire and Rescue Squad, 2178 Tarrytown Rd, Clarksville, NY 12041.