LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James B. Mincher posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James B.
Mincher posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 and is awarded to individuals who have merited
special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on
behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on February 19, 1926, in Binghamton, New York, James B.
Mincher was the son of the late Jay B. and Ida Bixen Mincher; he gradu-
ated in 1942 from Waterford High School; and
WHEREAS, James B. Mincher served his country as a member of the United
States Army Air Corps from July of 1944 to June of 1946; he served as a
Medical Aidman with the 13th Air Corps in the Western Pacific Theatre,
and achieved the rank of Corporal; and
WHEREAS, James B. Mincher was the recipient of numerous medals and
accolades for his exceptional service including: Army of Occupation
Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War
II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge from the Army Air Corps, James B. Mincher
was in the Minor League Baseball system of the St. Louis Cardinals in
Frankfort, Illinois, and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, from 1949 to 1950;
and
WHEREAS, Three years later, James B. Mincher started working for the
Boston and Maine Rail Road as a Brakeman in Mechanicville, New York,
until retiring in 1988; and
WHEREAS, James B. Mincher was called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and always gave of
himself unstintingly; he was a 70 year plus member of the Halfmoon
Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as treasurer for more than 50
years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James B. Mincher was a member and Past Commander
of the Halfmoon American Legion Post No. 1450, as well as a retired
member of the Little Spruce Hunting Club; and
WHEREAS, James B. Mincher passed away on February 4, 2013, at the age
of 86; he is predeceased by his first wife, Shirley Johnson Mincher who
died in 1958, his second wife, Kathleen C. Walsh Mincher who died in
2002, and his sister, Norma M. Phillips; and
WHEREAS, He is survived by his four children, Gary J. (Amy), Gregory
J. (Sandra), David F. (Lenore), and Dianne M., and was the loving
grandfather of five grandchildren, Kristine (Scott), Brian, Erica
(Edward), Melissa, and Megan, as well as one great-grandchild, Hannah,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Today, one year after his death, the bravery and willingness
of James B. Mincher to fight for the lives of his fellow human beings,
continues to inspire, and is deserving of the highest honor by all
defenders of freedom; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as James B. Mincher devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James B. Mincher posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James B. Mincher.