James C. Terrell

James C. Terrell Jr.
Sunrise: February 16, 1963  Sunset: October 24, 2025

James C. Terrell Jr. was born in Albany, New York, and educated in the Albany City School System. 

He was employed by Amtrak for many years before joining Local 190, where he later retired. Even after retirement, Jim remained active, taking on a part-time position with Albany Management, Inc., where he worked faithfully until his passing.

Jim met the love of his life, Zena, in June 1980. The two later united in marriage on his birthday, February 16, 1991—a gift he cherished for the rest of his life.

In July 2025, Jim accepted the Lord and Savior at Union Mission Baptist Church in Albany, New York. Following his conversion, he became a devoted student of the Bible, faithfully sharing scripture and words of encouragement with family and friends each day. He loved Union Baptist Church and although it was a short time, he found love and peace there. He loved learning and telling everyone he encountered about Jesus and Union!Jim was an easygoing man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved grilling for his family, fishing, hunting, and relaxing in his backyard. An avid traveler and cruiser, Jim delighted in exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and sampling various cuisines. He especially loved being on the ocean, listening to and watching the waves crash.Jim was the protector of his family and cherished them dearly. As the only son of his parents and the proud father of all daughters, that protector role was deeply instilled in him. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Zena Terrell of Albany, NY; his three daughters, Shaquana Terrell of Albany, NY, Yah-kima Terrell of Gastonia, NC, and Nashalon Thomas of Troy, NY; his sisters, Bennie (Winston) McLean and Diana (David) Cooley. His nieces and nephews and a host of cousins.He was predeceased by his parents, James Terrell Sr. and Irma Lee Terrell; his sisters, Loneita Cooley and Tracy Terrell, his nieces, Irma “Stuffy” Terrell, Kisha Brown & Denoshi Salmon; his brother-in-laws, Ray Cooley and Charlie Snyder.Jim will be greatly missed. Although we wish he could remain with us in the physical, we find comfort in knowing that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Visitation for Jim will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a celebration of his life to immediately follow at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 30, 3035 at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 3 Morton Avenue, Albany.