SUNY Maritime mourns the Loss of Professor James McKoy
The word has been passed that long tenured and much loved and respected SUNY Maritime Professor James "Jim" McKoy has passed away after a long illness. SUNY President RADM Michael Alfultis told MarineNews this morning, "He was an outstanding teacher and he will be sorely missed."
Alfultis also sent out the following letter to the entire SUNY Community following Professor Mckoy's passing:
Dear Maritime Community,
I am sad to announce the passing of James “Jim” McKoy, Professor of Marine Transportation, after fighting a long battle against a most devastating disease. He crossed over the bar Monday morning.
Mate McKoy will be missed by his colleagues and students across the campus and by the thousands of alumni who had him as an instructor during their time at Fort Schuyler. During his 38 years at Maritime College, Mate McKoy was well respected by his students as a tough but fair instructor, dedicated to his teaching and holding his students to high standards. If you passed his courses, you knew you were ready for the USCG license examination. At numerous alumni gatherings I hear stories about his infamous timed knot-tying exercises and his uncompromising emphasis on not just memorizing the rules of the road, but learning them. When I hear stories like these, I recall the saying: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Mate McKoy made a lasting impact at Maritime College and on his students and will be long remembered.
I ask that everyone join me in keeping Mate McKoy’s family in their thoughts and prayers. As soon as the details regarding his funeral are known we will share them with you.
Sincerely,
RADM Michael Alfultis, USMS, Ph.D.
President
State University of New York, Maritime College
