email:  CHP@vfw12163.org and JVC@vfw12163.org

 Chaplain Born and raised in Ohio USA James graduated Lancaster High School at year 11. Leaving and graduating high school a year early meant James was able to enlist in the United States Marine Corps at age 17. While his classmates, class of 1976 were graduating from high school James had already graduated Boot camp from Parris Island South Carolina and was the with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (3/2). James was in the Mediterranean Sea on his first deployment and visited many European countries.

After 6 months at sea and returning to stateside he was again on the move this time to Guantanamo Bay Cuba where James was with the 155 howitzers and standard sentry duties. After a year James returned to North Carolina and 3/2 where he was awarded his good conduct medal.

1979 James was transferred to 3^rdBattalion 3^rd Marine Regiment (3/3) at Marine Corps air station Kaneohe, Oahu. 1980 James was deployed on his first western Pacific (West-Pac) deployment where in May of 1980 he was to meet his future wife, Fernanda. During the deployment, James received his Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Returning to the air station James was trained and became the Battalion NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) Defence Specialist Also on this deployment James was awarded the Humanitarian medal, and in 1981 his second good conduct medal.

 Followed by another deployment in 1982 and James returned to Fremantle port and Fernanda. At the end of the deployment, James was sent to El-Toro Californian where he attended and graduated from the US Marine Corps Staff Non-Commissioner Academy (USMC SNCO academy) being the youngest in the class. Returning to Hawaii James became the Chief primary marksmanship instructor at the weapons range.

At the end of 1982, James was again transferred back to North Carolina where he took over the weapons platoon within 3^rdBattalion 6^th Marine Regiment (3/6) as Staff Sergeant.

Other awards from the MC were sea service ribbon with 2 stars, Riffle Expert with 3^rd award bar, pistol marksman badge, and Certificate of Commendation.

 During his off-duty time James studied Law enforcement and accident investigation through Old Dominion University 1976 and Company finance1978. James also has in 1980/81 classes for ancient religions and culture studies.

James returned to stay in Perth and married Fernanda in 1984. They now have 4 children and three grandchildren. Can’t believe she has put up with me for over 40 years.

 James has volunteered in the past as a soccer coach, neighbourhood watch, and in the Freemasons Lodge 350 WAC where James was raised in May of 2013. James is currently a member of the Subiaco /Shenton Park Sub-branch of the RSL and has been an active Scout leader since 1994. During his time in Scouts WA James has been awarded.

WA State Awards –

2013 IN Recognition

2013 Chief Commissioner's Award

2016 Black Swan Award (Highest State Award)

 National awards are –

2004 Silver Arrowhead

2014 Silver Wattle

2018 Silver koala

2021 Silver Emu

 

In 2013 James started the Floreat Scout Group. Originally in West Perth known as Perth Central. The move was made when the building they were in was sold. The Group has continued much success and much growth due to the fantastic adults keeping a busy, active, and interesting program running for the Joey, Cubs, Scouts, and Venture Scouts as well as the fellowship. In the past James was responsible for starting other groups and sections such as the Atwell Scout Group located SOR, where he returned in 2024 to help restart the Joey Scout unit and rebuild the group.

 James is a member of the US Marines of Western Australia and a member of the Marine Corps League. https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/

 Also, a member of the Navy League-Western Australia Division and a member of the HMAS Perth 1 Memorial Foundation.

https://www.eastfremantle.wa.gov.au/enjoy-east-freo/history-and-heritage/hmas-perth-i-memorial.aspx

 A member of the American Legion in Ohio

  In 2017 after two years of putting things together with help from a friend doing some admin work, James, as a Member at Large (no home post) VFW Pacific Areas Started the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12163 to assist the US Veterans that now call WA and Australia home with the issues they face with the US Government and the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Affairs before the Post there was no organization in WA for them to reach out to. To be a member of the VFW you must be a US citizen that is a Veteran, with other qualifications. After the first 1st year of being the Inaugural Commander of the post James was re-elected to a 2^nd term as Commander. Having a solid foundation to build on James nominated his Senior Vice Commander to become post Commander. https://vfw12163.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?nid=1

 In 2019 with some help, we started the VFW Post 12163 incorporated WA. This is where our Friends and family can join in with us in assisting the needs of the veterans and their families and community.

 

In 2023 James became a Cootie in the VFW Honor Degree being the only one in WA for now.

 As a Cootie James has spent many hours volunteering in the hospitals with friends and strangers.

2024 James is the Post Chaplin and working on other projects.

2024 James was ordained - Universal Life Church.