10/20/2026
On Tuesday, Craig Hayner, Saratoga County Clerk, joined the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, the Saratoga County NY Government Board of Supervisors other county and state officials in honoring James R. Peluso of Mechanicville during October’s Deceased Veteran of the Month Ceremony. Hayner presented the family with a special citation recognizing him for his selfless dedication in his service to this country.
James “Jim” was born on August 13, 1949, to Rocco and Jane. Jim grew up on Saratoga Ave and lived his entire life in Mechanicville, graduating from high school in 1967.
Jim entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 30, 1967. He served with Company A of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Iron Rangers” of the 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”) in Vietnam from 1968-1969. As an Infantry squad leader and platoon sergeant, his unit nicknamed him “Sergeant Ambush” to reflect his countless five-man night ambush patrols that he successfully led in the Iron Triangle. Jim was seriously wounded in action twice, first in 1968 and then again in 1969 when he was medically evacuated from Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on August 22, 1970, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. For his service, Jim was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After his return from Vietnam, Jim met his wife of 52 years, Susan, and together they had 4 children.
Jim served veterans, his community, his family and friends his entire life. He earned his Associate’s Degree at HVCC, his Bachelor’s Degree at Marist College, and his Master’s Degree at SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government. For over 40 years, he was an advocate for veterans, providing counseling, employment, housing, rehab, and supportive services to vets and their families. Jim was appointed by the governor to serve as State Director of the NYS Department of Veterans Affairs. He would later serve as Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care for Homeless Veterans. After “retirement” he was asked to serve as the NYS Director of Operations for SoldierOn. Jim also served as National Vice-President and Legislative Chair for the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, served on President Clinton’s Veterans Roundtable, and as State Legislative Chair and Board Member of the NYS Council of Vietnam Veterans of America. Jim was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Tri-Council of Vietnam Era Veterans. As chairman of the Mechanicville Council of Veterans, he served as Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, helped to organize the rededication of Patenaude Park and the Veterans Bridge. Jim also raised funds for the placement of a Monument to Mechanicville Veterans at the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Jim served his community for two terms as City Council Commissioner of Finance, as chair of the City Civil Service Commission, treasurer of the Community Development Agency, Board Member of the Mechanicville-Stillwater IDA, president of the Mechanicville Community Center for 10 years, and as co-chair of the Mechanicville Italian American War Veterans Post #21. Jim was also a member of the American Legion Post #91, Past Grand Knight of the Mechanicville Council Knights of Columbus, an Elks member, a past member of the W.B. Neilson Hose Co #4, Mechanicville Fire Department, and he somehow found time to coach Little League.
Jim passed away from an Agent Orange-related illness on February 16, 2026.
