James A. Wilson

SCHENECTADY – James A. ‘Jim’ Wilson, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 13, 2022.
James was born in Saratoga Springs on December 6, 1927. He was the seventh of eight children born to Lewis E. and Mary Agnes (Berrigan) Wilson. Due to lack of work in the area of Saratoga, the family moved to Schenectady in 1935. James attended St. Columba Catholic School until the 8th grade and then attended public schools, graduating from Nott Terrace High School, after which he enlisted in the US Navy in December 1944. He graduated from the US Armed Forces Institute while serving his duty. Upon his honorable military service which took him all over the world for 4 ½ years of which time was spent in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign. He received the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Navy Occupation Medal. He was discharged in July 1949 after World War II ended, as a yeoman Second Class. His main ship was the U.S.S. Little Rock (CL-92) which traveled the world over spreading goodwill in many foreign countries after WWII and is now part of the Servicemen Park in Buffalo.
Jim has dedicated his self to assisting fellow veterans and their survivors for many years as Director of Veterans Service Agency in Schenectady County before his retirement. Jim has contributed his time to countless veteran organizations and causes, from 1995-2005, he had been chairman of the VA Nations Cemetery Support Committee in Saratoga. He had been a volunteer at the Stratton Veterans Medical Center in Albany for over 35 years. He also served as chairman of the Schenectady County Veterans Committee that decorated over 31 cemeteries in the county area, placing American Flags on the graves of deceased veterans. Jim served as President of the Schenectady County Council of Veterans Organization for seven years and has been honored as an All-American District Commander for the VFW. He was one of 45 out of 600 District Commands in the United States so honored. Jim has been a member of numerous organizations such as NYS Veterans Advisory Committee, AMVETS, 369th Veterans Organization, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, American Legion, Navy Memorial in Washington USS Little Rock Association Chaplin Emeritus, Sampson Navy World War II Association, and the Polish American Veterans. He was active in many civic organizations including the United Way, Red Cross blood donor with over 12 gallons of donations, Ingersoll home, and Rotterdam Elks #2157, where he served as Chairman of the Flag Day Committee parade for 14 years. Jim had a few extra accomplishments that he was proud of. He was honored to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown in Washington DC for the Military Order of the Cootie. He was also proud of the honor by Mayor Albert P. Jurczynski, who named him as Schenectady Patroon on November 11, 2003. Jim was also responsible for the naming of a section of 890 West from exit 25 to exit 26 as “Schenectady County Veterans Memorial” and was also Chairman to erect a memorial monument in Veterans Park to honor Korean and Vietnam Veterans, which was one of the first in New York State.
Jim was proud that his four brothers all served their Country in the US Army during WWII and gave outstanding military service in the Europe and Pacific. Thomas served in The Pacific and saw most action fighting from island to island, and was a recipient of a Purple Heart. Francis received the Silver Star for action of bravery at Normandy and Edward was also at Normandy. William was a guard for the German Trials of criminals.
Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Marjory, who borne him five children and also his second wife of 42 years, Antoinette (Ginger) Wilson; his children, Maureen L. Wilson and Robert J. Wilson; siblings, Monica VanSteele, Mary Ann Thwaits, Thomas, Francis, Edward H.S., William, and Clinton E. Wilson.
He is survived by his children, Sharon E. (Joseph) Fazio, Denise L. (Joseph) Kopacz, and Mark D. (Kimberly) Wilson; thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Thursday, October 27th at 9:30 am at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street, with Fr. Dominic Isopo, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at 11:30 am in the Saratoga National Cemetery.
At Jim’s personal request, contributions may be made in his memory to the Saratoga National Honor Guard Association, or SNCHG, at 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.