James Cohen

Cape Cod, MA - James Aronson Cohen, “Jim,” age 83, died on September 15, 2023, at Cape Cod Hospital of complications from pulmonary issues. He was born in Albany, NY, was a 1957 graduate of The Milne School, and received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University in 1962. Upon graduation Jim joined the Army Reserve and received his 6-month Advanced Individual Training as a Medic at Fort Sam Houston. After gaining experience as architectural draftsman and designer, he became a Registered Architect of New York State in 1967 and later of the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia and Tennessee. From 1967-69 Jim was employed as a Project Architect with Anthony B. Davies and Associates in London, England. Upon returning to the United States in 1969, he settled in Albany, NY, which would become his permanent base. He joined the Albany firm Blatner Mendel Mesick Architects, becoming a partner in 1971. Over the years the partnership morphed into Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, a firm specializing in Historic Restoration and Preservation and having offices both in Albany, NY, and Williamsburg, VA.

Jim was passionate about his work and deeply engaged in the community, serving on various Boards of Directors and as President of Historic Albany Foundation. He was a lover of art music, classic autos, and the ballet, looking forward each summer to the annual visit of the New York City Ballet to Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Upon his retirement, Jim and his partner, Joan Wick-Pelletier, moved to Eastham, MA, where they have resided for the past eight years, and where Jim, true to form, has served as Chair of the Olde Town Centre Eastham Historic District Commission.

Jim was the son of Dr. Donald Cohen and Annette Cohen. He was predeceased by his brother Michael Cohen. He leaves his beloved daughters, Claudia Mazar of Clermont, FL, and Emily Briehl of Lizella, GA, as well as son-in-law Dan Briehl, grandchildren Gwendolyn Mazar, Daniel, Dominic, and Dylan Briehl, his partner Joan and her sons, Maurice of Toronto, ON, and Emile Pelletier of Halifax, NS.

A funeral service arranged by the Levine Memorial Chapel will be held on Friday September 29th at 11:00 am in the Mendleson Chapel at Beth Emeth Cemetery, 58 Turner Lane, Albany, NY, followed by the burial.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Historic Albany Foundation 

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