Final patrol for retired ECO Jim Volker

“James Alexander Volker, ‘Jim’ age 85 of Athens, NY, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center with his loving family and friends at his bedside.”

The obituary for Jim Volker eloquently describes a wonderfully lived life, love of family, love of the outdoors, and especially Jim’s love of being a New York State Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO).

I came to know Jim when I transferred to Greene County in 1989 as one of two ECOs who covered the “valley.” Jim handled the “mountain top.” Jim was a founding member of the Division Honor Guard. Later in our careers, I worked with Jim as a member of the Honor Guard and as his supervisor. I can honestly say I never saw Jim Volker in anything less than an impeccable uniform. Whether it was on a detail or working in the muddy fields, Jim always not only looked the part, but looked his best and wore the uniform with pride.

Jim simply loved being an ECO. He never sought promotion to lieutenant or beyond as he knew that required leaving his beloved sector on the Mountain Top. After beginning as an ECO in Westchester County, Jim spent the rest of his illustrious 32-year career on the mountain top in Greene County.

Back then, ECO sectors were more territorial jurisdictions. Jim was leery of those who wished to “poach” in his “game warden fiefdom” atop the mountain towns. By “poach” I mean both the traditional kind who take fish and game illegally, as well as adjoining ECOs who ventured there to “poach” cases on his territory up on the mountain. Jim made one notable exception, taking the “new” valley ECO, Mike Terrell, under his tutelage in 1998. Jim became not only a great mentor to Mike, but also a close friend.

“Jim was a game warden’s game warden,” said Mike, who retired as a lieutenant in 2024.

“More than a mentor, he was like a favorite uncle you were always happy to see and do things with both on and off the job. I learned a lot from him. Jim was from a different era. He and ECOs like Jim Ponzio [Delaware County] and Eric Haslun [Schoharie County], didn’t’ call themselves ECOs. They were “game wardens,” because that was the part of the job they loved and lived for.”  

Mike wasn’t the only ECO Jim liked working with. There were many. Like ECO Vinny Bernstein just down the mountain across the regional line in Ulster County, and of course his favorite long-time lieutenant and the master of homespun country wisdom, Lt. Deming Lindsley.  

Jim’s love of combatting poaching with other officers was not limited to those just within the ranks of ECOs. Jim worked with all police agencies including the State Police, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and town PDs.

The Scarey brothers are police officers with Windham PD whose department once had been contracted to cover other towns on the mountain top. While Jim worked with all the Scareys including Mike, Billy, HB, Tommy and Jim, there was definitely a favorite. That would be Mike Scarey, who had a passion for working fish and game enforcement with Jim Volker and other game wardens, me included. Mike Scarey and Jim Volker were definitely partners in wildlife crime enforcement on the mountain top.

Even though being a game warden was Jim’s life and a labor of love, beyond work Jim loved having a good time. He loved his family, friends, food, drink, hunting, fishing, and music. I recall when it was our region’s turn, he planned the annual New York Conservation Officer (NYCOA) Convention in Haines Falls. I remember him pointing out how excellent the band he chose was as he had been out to see them for “professional purposes” on a number of occasions.

So, as we say goodbye to a mountain top legend who wore well the uniform of a “New York Game Warden/ECO,” join me with prayers wishing Jim “Godspeed” as he calls out of service on his final patrol.

Happy 250th Fourth of July, and happy hunting, fishing and trapping until next time!

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News and Notes

Relatives and friends of Jim Volker are invited to call on Monday July 6, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Millspaugh Camerato Funeral Home, 139 Jefferson Heights, Catskill, NY 12414. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday July 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., burial will follow in the family plot of Maplewood Cemetery Jewett, NY with military honors.

For more information about Jim’s life, here’s a link to the complete obituary information for James A. Volker. You can also view it by going to http://www.millspaughcamerato.com.

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A resident of Durham, Larry is a retired captain with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.