Obituary of James Sankowski

James Sankowski, 67, owner of Ballston Lake Pottery, died February 5, 2017. Born in Schenectady, he grew up in Glenville where he graduated from BH-BL High School Class '67. Jim was one of three children. He went on to receive his BA in Art from Central College in Iowa and his MFA from Bowling Green University. He was married on September 4, 1972 to the former Mary Beth Frandsen. Soon after college Jim opened Ballston Lake Pottery in 1974, and for 43 years he worked as an artist and exhibiting craftsperson while following his passion. He built a reputation and customer base in the region and was know both for the functionality of his work’s design, as well as its artistic beauty. Besides displaying his work at Ballston Lake Pottery, he was also a nationally exhibiting craftsperson, having been a part of many high-level crafts shows including the Smithsonian. He received regular recognition both locally and nationally through arts publications, as well as hosting seminars and guest lectures on ceramics throughout the East Coast. James enjoyed the history of the local region and regularly worked elements of it into his own work, including creating a signature pottery glaze of locally sourced “Albany Slip” clay. He and his wife were avid outdoors people who cross country skied and loved to hike. James also loved biking and both listening to and seeking out jazz music; often going out to many live music performances. He was predeceased by his loving parents Stanley and Helen (Taychowski) Sankowski. Survivors include his beloved wife Mary Beth Sankowski, children: Adam M. Sankowski (wife Linnea Griffith and their daughter, Sawyer Sankowski) of Sommerville, MA, and Brian Sankowski of Ballston Lake. Jim leaves behind his brother, Stanley Sankowski (wife Sandi) and his sister, Jolene Johnson, as well as several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call on the family Wednesday (Feb 8) 6-8 pm and Thursday (Feb. 9) from 8:30-9:30 am at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Scotia-Glenville. A Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Rd. (Rte 50) Glenville Thursday morning at 10. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorials may be made in James Sankowski's name to Regional Food Bank, 965 Albany Shaker Rd. Latham NY 12110, where his wife volunteers. Online remembrances may be shared at GLENVILLEFUNERALHOME.COM.