Distinguished Local Veteran James Durkin Honored by Senator Mike Nozzolio at Induction Into New York State Veterans Hall of Fame

Past Commander of the Department of New York Veterans of Foreign Wars, James Durkin, was recently nominated for induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame by State Senator Mike Nozzolio.  James Durkin was inducted during a special ceremony at the State Capitol for his service to our Nation, as well as his dedicated efforts supporting his fellow veterans and their families.  

“It was a pleasure to nominate Jim for this recognition due to his commitment to honoring the lives of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and I congratulate him for his years of exceptional service to our Nation,” said Senator Nozzolio. 

James entered the U.S. Marine Corps in April 1974 and was discharged in May 1984. Throughout Jim’s distinguished career he had numerous placements, including being attached to Marine Air squadron VAMQ-2 for nine years, and during which he was detached to the USS Midway, USS Nimitz and other carriers in the fleet.  Jim received his VFW eligibility during the Iran Hostage Crisis 1979-80 when he earned the Marine Corps Expeditionary medal.  He received three Marine Good Conduct medals, two Marine Corps Unit Commendations, two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, five Sea Service ribbons and the Marine Corps Recruiting medal.

Jim has been in the VFW since 1980 and is currently a member at Post 7414 in Canandaigua, NY where he has been an All State Commander and All State Quartermaster three times. Jim is the Co-Dean of the VFW Officer Training Institute.   Jim dedicates much of his time teaching veterans on how to support their fellow veterans, families of veterans, and communities and posts. 

At the County Council and District levels Jim has held positions as Commander and four years as Quartermaster in both organizations as well as many other chairs. Additionally, he worked with the local community and other veterans groups to save the Canandaigua Veterans Medical Center.  
At the Department level, he served as State Budget Chairman 2008-09, State Inspector 2009-10, State Jr. Vice Cmdr. 2010-11, Sr. Vice Cmdr. 2011-12 and was elected State Commander in 2012. Jim has worked on many special assignments for many of the Departments Past State Commanders. Jim’s Legislative team played a Key role in getting the NYS Veterans Driver License passed. 

Jim has also served on the VFW Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery Committee.  The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located on the hallowed ground of the former Sampson Naval and Air Force bases, where over one million sailors and airmen trained in preparation for battle to defend the United States of America. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery was dedicated on July 30, 2011 and is the final resting place for almost 200 veterans and their family members. The Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located in Romulus, New York, a tremendously beautiful setting on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, and within the shadow of the nationally recognized birthplace of Memorial Day in Waterloo.

“It is an honor to recognize James Durkin, distinguished veteran, for all he has done for our nation, state and local community, ” said Senator Nozzolio.  

The New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is an annual program highlighting the exceptional service of a veteran from each Senate District. For more information on the Hall of Fame or to look up past inductees, visit the State Senate website here.

Jim Durkin, grew up in Liverpool, New York and he and his wife Barbara currently reside in Canandaigua.  

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