(Vestal, NY) –  On Wednesday November 12, Senator Webb presented a special proclamation recognizing James H. “Jim” Alexander on the occasion of his 100th birthday, a milestone made especially meaningful as it coincided with Veterans Day. Senator Webb highlighted Alexander’s service as a Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade during World War II, his distinguished engineering career at IBM’s Federal Systems division, and his decades of community involvement and athletic leadership.

During World War II, Alexander served in the V-12 Navy College Training Program, a wartime initiative that placed future naval officers on college campuses for simultaneous academic and military training. After receiving his commission, he was stationed aboard the USS Denver in the Atlantic. With the war nearing its end, he was discharged and began building a civilian career marked by technical excellence and public service.

“It is my profound honor to recognize James H. Alexander on his 100th birthday, especially as we celebrate the service of all American veterans,” said Senator Lea Webb. “Jim represents the very best of a generation that answered the call to duty during World War II, returned home, and continued building and strengthening our nation in countless ways. His service, his engineering contributions to our national defense, and his lifelong commitment to community and athletic leadership stand as a powerful example to all of us.”

This proclamation honors Alexander’s service and career recognizing his extraordinary contributions to his country and community over an entire century of life.

Background on James Alexander: 

After being discharged, Alexander joined IBM as an Electrical Engineer, bringing his expertise to the Southern Tier and spending the remainder of his professional life contributing to critical military and defense-related projects through IBM’s Federal Systems division.

In addition to his engineering career, Alexander devoted more than 30 years to sports officiating. He refereed high school and college football, as well as ice hockey. When the ice rink at Grippen Park in Endicott first opened, he strapped on skates himself to organize and train the referees who helped launch the region’s early hockey leagues.

Alexander’s remarkable longevity is matched only by his commitment to physical activity. An avid downhill skier until age 89, and an enthusiastic tennis and pickleball player into his early 90s, he has long exemplified vitality, resilience, and an active lifestyle.

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