James B. Flateau
Died 2/26/2022 at age 72.
Jim was a native of North Tonawanda New York and a true Buffalo Bills fan. He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Rita Lang, and by their family in Florida. He was “Jim” to Laura Warnock, Jeff Carlson, Monica Barrett, Brendan Barrett, and “Pop” to Lila Barrett and Julia Barrett. He was predeceased by his son James G. Flateau. Jim worked in Albany New York as a reporter for Ottaway News Service and then as spokesperson for New York State Department of Corrections. He retired to Land O Lakes in 2005. Jim was the long time chairman of the Ballantrae Community Development District and editor of the Ballantrae CDD newsletter.
Jim’s favorite charity was the ASPCA and donations in his memory are appreciated.
THOMAS ALAN FLATEAU
March 2, 2022, 9:06 pm
Rest in peace, my dear brother. Love lives on. You will truly be missed. First my brother and then my best friend. You will always be with us…Tom
Brendan Barrett
March 3, 2022, 6:45 pm
Rest in peace, Jim. You were a good man and a wonderful grandfather to my girls. We miss you.
Susan Milligan
March 3, 2022, 10:50 pm
Jim was my mentor and friend, generously helping me when I was his college intern at Ottaway News Service in Albany. I’ve had a very nice journalism career, and I credit Jim for giving me my start, editing my stories, including me in professional events. A great reporter and teacher – and done with a sense of humor, always. Jim, I will miss you so very very much.
Monica Barrett
March 4, 2022, 2:38 am
Jim was always thoughtful, caring and supportive. He had a sharp sense of humor and a big heart. We will miss him very much.
Daniel Janison
March 4, 2022, 3:49 pm
Great, fun guy. A big loss.
Chuck Porcari
March 4, 2022, 7:28 pm
A colleague, a friend, Jim was always fun to be around. I am fortunate to have known him.
Terrence K O'Brien
March 4, 2022, 9:28 pm
Enjoyed a few (well, maybe a more than a few) Friday nite post work beers at the local watering hole a block from the state capitol in Albany, NY with Jim and Mark Humbert of AP back in the day.
Great guy.
Sad news indeed.
Richard Benedetto
March 4, 2022, 10:12 pm
This is sad news indeed. Jim was a top-notch reporter, a diligent and effective public servant and a stalwart and dedicated leader of the New York State Legislative Correspondents Alumni Association (LCAA). And besides all that, he was an all-around gentleman and good friend. I will miss his good cheer. My sympathies to his family and friends. God Bless him
Richard Benedetto, Washington, D.C.
Diane Van Buren
March 4, 2022, 10:58 pm
Jim was a great person. I met him when at work in NYS Corrections. He was quick witted and the most politically astute person I’ve ever known. His dedication to NYS was unmatched. No one worked harder than he. As my friend, he was always there to support me, even after he had retired. I am comforted to know he enjoyed his life after DOCS with Rita and family. Cheers to you my friend. You lived a great life.
Ted Pettigrass
March 5, 2022, 6:15 pm
Ted Pettigrass
March 5, 2002
To Rita and Family- Please accept my sincere condolences with respect to your loss. I relied on Jim from time to time during my career with NYS Corrections, and he was always there to give me guidance and direction which proved to be invaluable throughout the years. Not only was Jim intelligent as well as humorous but he had a heart of gold, and was always available to listen to others. May he rest in Peace with Almighty God as a result of the life which he lived and devoted to others.
Mark Flora
March 6, 2022, 2:42 pm
Condolences go out to the family. May your memories give you strength and love during this difficult time. Shared some great adventures with Jim in 1966 and 1967 as part of an Ascension Church (North Tonawanda, NY) youth group who travelled to the Canadian Rockies in 1966 and Grand Canyon 1967. Jim was always a “spark” that added to the group dynamic that taught us all much about ourselves.
Dave Hepp
March 7, 2022, 10:16 pm
So sorry to learn of Jim’s death. He was truly one of the good guys. We met in 1975 covering the NYS capital. After he crossed over to the “dark side” as a spokesman for the corrections department for both a Democratic and Republican administration, I kidded him that they couldn’t replace him because he really ran the prisons. Miss you, Jim. May you rest in peace.
J. R. Drexelius
March 9, 2022, 11:41 pm
Rest in Peace Jim. A great press flak. An Albany legend. You always had the perfect response when some of the fourth estate had tough questions for the administration. More importantly your work on the annual LCA shows was unforgettable Glad I knew you. Condolences to Jim’s family and to Rita