Jimmy A. Sportman

ALBANY- James A. Sportman, of Albany, NY died suddenly on March 9, 2026, at home. He was 75.
Jimmy was born in Albany, NY on January 6, 1951, the son of the late Mary (O’Bryan) and William H. Sportman. He attended Scared Heart School in Albany and graduated from Cardinal McCloskey High School in 1969. After high school, Jimmy attended Siena College where he was a member of Pi Iota Tau fraternity with his brother Bob and completed a degree in finance in 1973. After briefly working for the US Postal Service, he spent more than 40 years working for the state of New York as a dedicated New York State Employees Retirement Examiner. During his career, Jimmy enjoyed his time with his friends on the softball team, lunches, and betting on the office pools.
Sports were a passion and Jimmy spent many years playing in the North Albany softball league with many of his boyhood friends. He loved the NY Yankees and the Saratoga season with his friends Mike and Kevin, and others too numerous to mention.
Family was everything to him and Jimmy was always involved in the lives of his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He attended every birthday, holiday, graduation, and wedding, and went to their games. He always gave the best Christmas and birthday presents, and always with the batteries already installed.
Jimmy is survived by his partner of many years, Leigh Haefeli. He was Stepdad to Laura, Doug, and Jeff, and Grandpa to Lucas, Logan, Anastasia, and Alexander. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (the late Patricia), Joe (Joanne), John (Brenda), and Bryan (Shari) Sportman; his sister Maria Maxwell; eleven nieces and nephews: Sarah, Shane, Bill, Meagan, Joey, Sabrina, JP, Michael, Bryan, Justin, and Morgan, and nine great-nieces and nephews: Keira, Charlie, Nora, Landon, Olivia, Noelle, Finnegan, Callie, and Noa.
Calling hours will be held at Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave., Albany on Thursday March 19, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will take place in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home on Friday March 20, 2026 at 10:30 am, followed by burial at St. Agnes Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jimmy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com