James A. Wilson

James A. Wilson, of Schenectady, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1944.  Four of his brothers served in the U.S. Army.  He achieved the rank of Yeoman Second Class, was honorably discharged on July 14, 1949, and received the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Navy Occupation Medal.

Jim has dedicated himself to assisting fellow veterans, including serving for many years as Director of the Schenectady County Veterans Service Agency before his retirement.

Jim has contributed his time to countless veteran organizations and causes.  Since 1995, he has been Chairman of the V.A. National Cemetery Saratoga Support Committee.  He has been a 35-year volunteer at the Samuel S. Stratton Medical Center and, for the past 30 years has coordinated the decoration of veterans’ graves at 31 cemeteries in Schenectady County.

Jim served seven terms as President of the Schenectady County Council of Veterans Organizations, and has been honored as an All American VFW District Commander.  He has been a member of numerous organizations, such as the New York State Veterans Advisory Committee, AMVETS, 369th Veterans Association, Non- Commissioned Officers Association, American Legion, Navy Memorial, USS Little Rock Association, Sampson Navy World War II Association and Polish American Vets.

Jim has also been active in many other civic organizations, including the United Way, Red Cross blood donor, Ingersoll Home and the Rotterdam Elks, where he was the longtime Flag Day Chairman.

Jim and his loving wife, Antoinette, are the proud parents of five children, and have been blessed with 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.