James L. McCasland

Jimmy, known to many as “Peanut,” was a Korean War veteran with the 44th Engineer Construction Battalion and a lifetime member of the American Legion of AuSable Forks.

When he left the military, Jimmy pursued harness racing, later settling in the Saratoga Springs area, eventually co-owning a horse farm with its own training track. Jimmy excelled in the sport he loved, becoming the top driver in harness racing in the state of New York as driver of the year in 1972 through 1974, as well as owning and training two of the top sired colts in New York, Sir Cingle and Miss Primtrim. He also loved to hunt and fish.

Jimmy was predeceased by his wife Eunice A. (Benedict) McCasland, whom he was married to for over 50 years.

He is survived by his son James A. McCasland of Florida; three stepchildren: Eunice M. Travis and Wendell McCasland, both of Lake Placid, and Wayne R. Hough of Florida; his siblings: twin brother Norman McCasland and his wife Linda, brother Edward McCasland and his wife Kay, and his sister Catherine Nugent, all of Lake Placid; along with grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be no formal services, upon Jimmy’s request. In lieu of condolences, please hold a kind thought and a prayer for Peanut and his family.