ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is sad to announce the passing of ACCA Past Chairman, James (Jim) Isaac, former president of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. on January 27, 2023.

Jim was an HVACR industry hero. He was the president and CEO of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. in Rochester, N.Y., a position he assumed after the untimely death of his father in 1967. During his tenure, Jim helped grow the business with his brothers Ed, Tom, and Bill, to a large and strong HVAC services firms. Jim was known for his innovation in marketing, customer service, and the customization of the products sold by the Isaac team. During his time leading the Isaac team, Jim gave back to the industry through service on ACCA's Board of Directors, ultimately serving as chairman of the Board of Directors in 1990. He also served on several boards within the industry at the local, state, and national levels. Jim's service to the industry was often highlighted through the many awards he received, which include the Rochester Small Business Council’s Business Person of The Year and the Rochester Business Ethics Award. He also was inducted into the Contracting Business Magazine’s Contractor Hall of Fame and the Rochester Business Hall of Fame.

Jim's service to the HVACR industry was only rivaled by his humanitarian efforts. He was passionate about giving back to his community, as seen by his work with the Rochester Rotary, Flower City Habitat for Humanity, Otetiana Seneca Waterways Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Heritage Christian Services, Eastern Service Workers, United Way of Greater Rochester, and many more. He was honored by ACCA for his humanitarian efforts in 2014 as the inaugural recipient of ACCA's Community Leadership Award, which was developed in honor of Skip Snyder, another past ACCA Chairman of the Board.

“ACCA is saddened by the loss of Jim Isaac, who was such a strong champion of ACCA and the HVACR industry,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. “Jim's dedication to the industry and his community are unmatched. He was a leader, who used innovation and compassion to grow Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning to the strong company it is today. His presence continues to be seen in the business that he passed on to his children, who continue to grow his legacy today.”

A viewing was held on February 2 at Falvo Funeral Home in Webster, N.Y.. On Friday, February 3, a Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Rita's Church in Webster, N.Y., at 10:30 a.m.