James Dayton Staats, 54, formerly of Lake Placid, passed away suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

Born on Sept. 17, 1968, in Lake Placid, he was the only son of Lewis and Lorraine Staats.

Jimmy retired in 2013 from the U.S. Navy Reserves as a gunners mate 1st class after 27 years of distinguished military service. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April of 1986 on the delayed entry program prior to graduating from Lake Placid High School that same year. He reported to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois on Sept. 12, 1986, starting his military career. Jimmy completed several deployments while serving onboard the Guided Missile Frigate, USS Simpson, FFG-56, including time in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Fox and Desert Shield. He transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves in 1991 while attending SUNY Plattsburgh and spent two-and-a-half years with the 962nd Ordinance Company stationed in Plattsburgh. Jimmy returned to the Navy Reserves in 1994, where he spent the remainder of his career. He was activated in 2003, serving onboard the USNS Kilauea, Military Sealift Command Ammunition Supply Ship, during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jimmy married the love of his life, Lori Abbott, on Oct. 18, 1997. They eventually made their way back to the Adirondacks after living in Worcester, Massachusetts for nine years. The Lake Placid and Jay areas became their home again for the next 16 years. Jimmy became a police officer for the Lake Placid Police Department. He retired with over 18 years of service. He and Lori, with their dog, Sydney and cat, Lucy, chose to become full time RVers and hit the road last year. They traveled the East coast and eventually settled for a while in Bradenton, Florida. Jimmy worked part time at the RV Resort where they lived and enjoyed every minute of his retirement. He loved time at the beach and winning money at the nearby casinos.

Jimmy was a true patriot and friend to everyone. He enjoyed serving his country and community. His sense of humor kept everyone laughing, no matter the situation.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Lori of Bradenton, Florida; his dog, Sydney and his cat, Lucy; two sisters, Lori (Eugene “Butch”) Martin of Lake Placid, Lisa (Robert) Lawyer of Lake Placid; two nieces, Lorissa Martin of Lake Placid and Elizabeth Bimonte of Duane, New York; his Uncle Frank (Alice) of Oxford, New Jersey; several cousins and extended family members.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Lorraine Staats.

A private family service will be held in Lake Placid, NY. The public is invited to view his procession down Lake Placid Main Street as he travels to his final resting place on October 29th between 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Gary Sinise Foundation at garysinisefoundation.org/donate. This organization supports and honors veterans, first responders and fallen heroes.