Staff Report
HARPERSFIELD – Earlier this week, residents of Delaware County said farewell to former town of Harpersfield Supervisor and County Board of Supervisor chairman James Eisel. Current Board of Supervisor Chairman Tina Mole issued a tribute following his passing on December 18, 2025. Calling hours were held Tuesday at MacArthur Funeral Home in Stamford.
In her tribute, Mole said: Delaware County mourns the loss of former Town Supervisor and County Board of Supervisor chairman James Eisel. Jim served as the Town of Harpersfield Supervisor for 30 years, retiring in 2022. We had the honor of having Jim serve as the County Board Chairman from 2001 until 2016. During his tenure he thoughtfully and skillfully guided the County through the creation and implementation of some of our most important watershed programs, the recovery during the devastating flood events of 2006, 2007 and 2011, and the development of large projects including the Public Safety facility, the Solid Waste Management composting facility and the creation of the Century 21 Bridge program. Jim was a small local business owner and cared deeply about the County’s ability to support and sustain our small businesses as much as provide for economic stability for our future generations. Prior to being elected as Chairman of the Board in the year 2001, Jim served as the County’s budget officer giving him a deep understanding of the financial challenges rural counties face. Jim challenged Delaware County’s department heads to find new and innovative ways to serve the residents while demanding the Delaware County Board of Supervisors respect those that we serve. He led with strength, understanding and a deep conviction that supported our rural way of life. Jim has left his mark on Delaware County, always stressing the importance of our local home rule, respect for landowners rights and a strong belief that Delaware County is the best place to live and work. His contributions will be everlasting. Jim also served on the Catskill Watershed Corporation board, worked closely with the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency on many economic strategies and participated in Delaware County Chamber of Commerce programs for many years. His conservative beliefs coupled with his unwavering professionalism made him a successful leader as well as a successful businessman. Jim was a true gentleman and man with great integrity. He truly cared about the people of Delaware County, the future of Delaware County and the truly unique independence of Delaware County to serve our residents at a higher level than the state or federal governments could. Jim’s strength, integrity and financial knowledge have had a lasting impact that will serve many generations to come. Jim will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on for generations. Delaware County is a better place because of him.
He is survived by his wife: Margie Eisel of Harpersfield; children: James (Geanine) Eisel Jr. of Grand Gorge and Jason Eisel of Harpersfield; grandchildren: Jordan (Brendan) Ricketts of South Carolina, Meghan (Cole) Patterson of Yorktown Heights, NY, Sydney Eisel of Florida, Max Eisel of Harpersfield and Madison Eisel of Harpersfield; great-grandson Easton James Ricketts of South Carolina; brother: John(Sherri) Eisel of Oregon; sisters in law: Ginger Ford, Shirley Kokal and Linda Palumbo; nieces and nephews: Dakota Eisel, Jamie Eisel and Darren Eisel.
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