Town Supervisor Kimberly Demick said "the town will still be reflecting on all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day." She added, "annually, we honor a veteran for their service and a community member for their commitment to our community. However, circumstances with COVID-19 are hindering our opportunity to gather and celebrate."
Town of Scio’s
2020 Veteran of the Year
Arthur James Ames
(Jim)
Drafted into the Army in September 1960 he was stationed in
Fort Benning, Georgia and honorably discharged in September 1965.
Jim was a soldier ranking E-4 in the 2nd Division Infantry
Transportation, where he excelled in Heavy Equipment Operations.
Jim’s children remember an interesting story about a time
their father was sleeping in his bunk in Georgia. Jim was awakened to find his commanding
officer standing above him pointing a gun at a rattlesnake that had snuggled up
with Jim. Jim’s love of all creatures
does not extend to rattlesnakes and the reptile was quickly dispatched!
Jim also honed his cooking skills, assisting with preparing
meals for the troops. Although the
military was a formidable teacher of discipline, ethics and hard work, Jim
credits his mother as his first teacher.
It was she that had the foresight to make sure her son was able to
handle all matters, from sewing to car repairs, and everything in between.
Once home from the Army, Jim began his working career with
the Town of Scio, Worthington-Turbine Corporation, Allegany County Highway Department and
finally returning to the Town of Scio Highway where he retired in 1999 after 24
years.
Jim’s retirement years have been full of many things such as
camping, gardening, cooking, spending time with friends and family, crossing
guard, driving a 1948 Jeep in local parades, and working in his wood shop. In years past, Jim has been the man making
the award plaques for our honored veterans. It is here in his wood shop where he uses his creative talents to build
wonderful wooden works of art!
Finally, Jim’s greatest life’s passion is and always will be
his family. His son Jim, and daughter
Betty, are his pride and joy along with his wife Wrexie Florence Ames. Jim and Wrexie have been married 61
years. Their bond of friendship,
compassion and commitment far surpass any of his many other achievements.
Jim Ames is not only Scio’s 2020 Veteran of the Year; he is
a lifelong, valued and cherished member of our community.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Arthur James Ames, from the
very humbled and proud Town of Scio.
