James is a member of the Auxiliary to Pvt. Allen J. Beck, Jr. Post 5265 in Spring Grove, PA. While James is an Air Force Veterans, he does not have eligibility for the VFW. He joined the Auxiliary under the eligibility of his grandfather, Anthony Minielli who was a two-time Purple Heart recipient in WWII. He retired as a Deputy Superintendent, after a 30-year career with the PA Department of Corrections. He has two grown sons, Bradon and Joe, and he lives in Marysville with his wife, Andrea. He deeply believes in the mission of the VFW and the VFW Auxiliary, serving our Veterans and their families. James is also an officer for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, serving as the District Deputy Grand Master for the 19th Masonic District.