James L. Malone Jr.

Colonie - James L. Malone, Jr., Age 83, Passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. James was born on September 20, 1942 in Albany, New York. He was the son of the late James 'Jay" L. Malone Sr. and Anna "Ann" L. Grippen. As a young child Jim's family lived on Avon Ct. in Albany before moving to Hampton Manor, East Greenbush, NY, in 1951. Jim attended Columbia High School in East Greenbush. In 1965, he joined the Albany Police Department as a patrolman. He was promoted to Detective and retired from the force in 1991 after 26 years of service. While with the police department, Jim enjoyed playing Santa for children and provided Santa for the Christmas parties for Albany Police Officers Union and their families for several years.

Jim enjoyed compiling his family genealogy throughout the years. He was a member of the Albany YMCA and spent many hours there. Jim was also a member of the Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2037. In 2003, Jim moved from East Greenbush to Colonie.

Jim is survived by his sister, Patricia Panton (Donald); his nephews, Matthew Panton (Chantilly) and Christopher Panton (Michelle); his grandniece Emma, grandnephew Ryan, and another expected in June.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jim's friends at Colonie Towers, to The Court Club for their friendship, and to the Community Hospice for the care and compassion provided to Jim and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited and may visit with Jim's family from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Church of St. Mary at Clinton Heights, 163 Columbia Tpke, Rensselaer, Interment will immediately follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

Donations in Jim's name may be made to the Albany Police Athletic League, 844 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208.