James Michael Syvertsen, a veteran of the Korean war, and resident of Saint James, New York, passed away on March 7th, 2024 at Saint Catherine's Hospital in Smithtown, NY. The son of Claus Nilsen Syvertsen and Genevieve Eleanor Syvertsen (née Mathisen), he was born in Brooklyn July 31, 1928. From birth, he, along with his "elder" twin brother, Charles, received a comprehensive maritime education from his father, and gained experience working as Victory Farm Volunteers in their teens during World War Two. In 1946, he graduated with honors from Maritime High School, specializing in marine engineering. He subsequently commenced his career in the Merchant Marine. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and in 1953 resumed his civilian service in the Merchant Marine working for the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS). Having an elite capacity for machinery and the maritime domain, and combining equally strong communication and leadership qualities, he quickly achieved the rank of Chief Marine Engineer with unlimited tonnage and power, spanning any, and all marine vessels. The highest possible ranking in his profession. The desire to spend more time at home, and interests in broadening his experience, facilitated tenures within the Marine Transportation Services, Port Jefferson Ferry Company, and Governor's Island Ferry in Manhattan, New York. A natural athlete, he excelled at crew and individual rowing, weightlifting, and baseball. At an early age, he became an ardent fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball club, and he was a passionate connoisseur of opera and classical music. He was preceded in death by his parents Claus and Genevieve Syvertsen, younger sister Ethyle M. Lysloff; and brother Charles Syvertsen.

He is survived by his wife Elisabeth of Saint James, NY; son James "Andrew" Syvertsen of Queens, NY, and granddaughter Sophia Syvertsen, of Plainview, NY.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.