James Stewart Tolkan, character actor, aged 94, son of Ralph Tolkan and Margery Sibola, passed away in Saranac Lake, NY on March 27th, 2026.

After a short Navy career and stints at three colleges Jim got on a bus for New York City with $75.00 in his pocket. He found a cold water flat where the rent equaled his VA check, went to work on the docks and enrolled with both Stella Adler and Lee Strasburg to learn the art of acting.

He spent 25 years in New York theater, from Off Off Broadway to the great White Way. He was a member of the ensemble cast of the original David Mamet play "Glengarry, Glen Ross". Jim did several movie roles while still based in New York City but moved his career to California and Canada in 1983 when he was cast in "War Games". His most memorable films were "Top Gun" and "Back to the Future, Parts 1, 2, 3, although he had roles in many other films.

Jim first came to Lake Placid, NY in 1971 with his wife who had spent her family summers there. In 1986, they purchased a home in Lake Placid where Jim spent as much time as possible, given his career. In 1996 he built a home to show off the art he had collected over the years when he was (infrequently) unemployed.

A funeral service will take place at St. Eustace Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 am. Rev. Kenneth Hitch will officiate. The M. B. Clark, Funeral Home in Lake Placid, NY is in charge of arrangements.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee, and three nieces of Des Moines, IA.

Jim adored animals and would most appreciate donations in his memory to the Tri Lakes Humane Society, 255 George LaPan Memorial Highway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, or any other charity of your choice.