Occupation: I am a communications and electronics technician for the federal prison in Danbury, in charge of all communications there. I've been at this position for 21 years. I also was in active duty for five years with the Navy/Submarine Reserve
Occupation: I am a communications and electronics technician for the federal prison in Danbury, in charge of all communications there. Iâve been at this position for 21 years. I also was in active duty for five years with the Navy/Submarine Reserves and 17 years in the Air Force Reserves. I recently retired as a master sergeant. Iâve done three deployments to the Middle East, and Iâm now commander at VFW Post 308.
Family: My wife, Veronica, and I have been married for 23 years. James Jr is 19 years old and a student at Naugatuck Valley Community College. Kate is 17, and a senior at Newtown High School.
Pets: We have six indoor cats, plus the outdoor cats that my wife feeds.
How long have you lived in Newtown? Weâve lived here for 22 years.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like boating, fishing, and golf. The VFW does take up a lot of my time now. I also collect and restore antique outboard motors, then I use them. Iâm an avid reader. Itâs probably my biggest hobby.
Do you have a favorite book? I read historical fiction and mystery thrillers. Right now, Iâm reading Clive Cusslerâs latest book. I like series and trilogies, too.
Do you have a favorite travel destination? Every year we go with several other families to Lake George, N.Y. Weâve been doing that since 2000. Itâs like a family reunion. There are 30 or 40 people there, at the same time.
What is the best thing about Newtown? Itâs a quaint, New England town, the schools are good, and itâs a nice town to live in. You know people, you know things, and itâs comfortable. Probably the biggest change Iâve seen is all of the open space that has gone away.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. Theyâre both working, middle class people. They showed me a great work ethic and to take responsibility for my actions. They taught me that you donât quit, you follow through.
Do you have a personal philosophy? Iâm very patriotic and I care about politics. If you donât do your part, donât complain. If you have a problem or an idea, have a solution, too.
Do you have a guilty pleasure? Food! Iâm partial to Italian foods. For a snack, I like Italian ices, and I like pretzels. Theyâre my weakness.