Obituary of James Dobbins

James R. Dobbins, 71, of Wagner St., died Saturday, December 21, 2013, at Ellis Hospital. Jim was born and educated in Pensacola, FL and moved to Schenectady in 1967. He was a US Army Vietnam veteran and worked for the General Electric Co. for 34 years as a crane operator, retiring in 2001 and a graduate of Spencer Business School. He was a football coach with the Schenectady Pop Warner and Belmont Pop Warner. Jim will always be remembered for his acts of kindness and helping others in his travels, many times helping those he didn't even know well. He is survived by five children, Deborah Dobbins, Anthony Dobbins, Christina Connors, Diana Dobbins, and Melissa Hotaling; his longtime companion, Barbara Hotaling; a sister, Hortense Madison; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Monday, 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc. (a change from Thursday's Gazette), 242 McClellan St., Schenectady, followed by a repast at the Trinity United Methodist Church (Brandywine and Eastern Ave.). The funeral and interment at the Barrancas National Cemeery with military honors will be held in Pensacola, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to the City Mission of Schenectady, PO Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301-9965.