James Durkin

James Durkin entered the United States Marine Corps in April 1974, and was discharged in May 1984. He was attached to Marine Air squadron VAMQ-2 for nine years, and during this time he was dispatched to the USS Midway, USS Nimitz and other carriers in the fleet. Mr. Durkin received his Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) eligibility during the Iran Hostage Crisis, when he earned The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. For gratitude for his service, he received 3 Marine Good Conduct Medals, 2 Marine Corps Unit Commendations, 2 Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, 5 Sea Service Ribbons and the Marine Corps Recruiting Medal. 

Mr. Durkin has been part of the VFW since 1980, and is currently a member at Post 7414 in Canandaigua, New York, where he has been an All State Commander and All State Quartermaster three times. He is Co-Dean of the VFW Officer Training Institute, and spends most of his fall weekends teaching other veterans the correct way to support their veterans, veterans’ families, their communities and posts. Mr. Durkin has also been a key member of the National Legislative Team traveling to Washington, D.C. to ensure that veterans’ voices are heard. 

In addition to his VFW duties, Mr. Durkin spent the last 30 years working full time for the Gleason Works in Rochester, New York. He was hired as lead electrical engineer and was the first electrical engineer to head up all of Engineering. Mr. Durkin also spent six years on the Greater Rochester International Business Council, including one year as president and one year as board chairman. During his tenure on the board, the Great Rochester IBC increased product shipments from $12 billion to $16 billion, and increased member companies from 2000 to 2400. His dedication and work ethic has contributed to not only the good of the country, but of his community as well. 

James Durkin married his best friend, Barbara Jane MacDonald, and has one beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. He remains active in his community, advocating for his fellow veterans as part of the American Legion, Marine Corps League, the Association of Old Crows and as a Life Member of the DAV.