When George B. James ‘57, ‘60 was introduced for the Alumni Achievement Award by Alumni Association Awards Committee member and friend Ronald Colbert ‘76, ‘80, Colbert acknowledged that James was known by all to be a humble man, always taking a back seat and giving credit for his accomplishments to others.
But on October 5, James was officially recognized under the Achievement Award description as a “graduate of Fitchburg State University who has made a significant contribution in their field, an extraordinary contribution to their community, region, or state, or has served as an inspiration to others.”
“George was a man of love, life, and survival,” Colbert said. “During his time on Earth, he embraced humility and his deep faith. He was committed to serving others, and was open to sharing resources, seeking advice, and working alongside colleagues
for the benefit of others. Today, we remember George as a hero and educator who demonstrated courteous cooperation in his work with others and an attentive heart to his family.”
James passed away in 2008. His widow, Patricia (Barbaresi) James ‘58 accepted the Achievement Award on his behalf.
“His family and I are most grateful for this amazing award,” said Dr. James, herself a retired Fitchburg State faculty member from the Education Department.
Fitchburg State student veteran Matthew Sheehan also made a special presentation on behalf of the Office of Military and Veterans Services and its director, Nolan Buck ’23, ’24. Sheehan presented Patricia with a Fitchburg State Challenge Coin in honor of James’ military service.
James was born on July 4, 1928 in Haverhill, and he graduated from Haverhill High School in 1946. He enlisted in the United States Army, and after completing basic training at Fort Bragg, N.C., he was assigned to the military government team in Okayama City, Japan, serving until his discharge in 1948.
After his military service, George attended Wentworth Institute in Boston. After graduating, he began work as a draftsman at General Electric Co. He was recalled to active military duty in October 1950, and left for Korea in December to join Co. 1, 38th Reg., 2nd Infantry Division. As a rifleman and eventually master sergeant and platoon leader, George excelled in his dedication to serving his country and the people of Korea. His sacrifices in the Korean War earned him two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star with a V – which signifies that the medal was awarded for acts of valor and heroism performed in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, rather than for meritorious service alone – and the Purple Heart for wounds received in the vicinity of Pungehon-ni.
Upon his return home in December 1951, James continued his education, and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fitchburg State College. He used his knowledge to teach others in the Industrial Arts in the Bedford Public School System, working his way up to become the vice principal of the junior high school. He also served as project director and director of secondary education for the Dracut public school system.
Still yearning for more knowledge, James earned his doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts. He then returned to Fitchburg State College in 1970 as a full-time professor, also serving as chairman of the Industrial Technology Department.
“As you heard he was an amazing man of integrity, honesty and loyalty,” his wife said. “But most of all, I think he’s remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and for his wisdom. He was amazing; he was a wonderful man and he was a family man. He loved this college more than you could imagine and worked very, very hard as a department chair and a faculty member.”
She recalled in James’ last year teaching he had a back problem and students would visit their home in Fitchburg.
“He’d be on his back and the kids would come in and I would make muffins for them,” she said. “ He loved the kids, his students and the faculty members.”
During his time as chairman, George proposed the creation of a robotics lab at Fitchburg State. His proposal was a hit, and the state fully funded the project (and the lab is still in use). Following his retirement in 1992, Fitchburg State College bestowed upon James the honor of professor emeritus in gratitude for his many years of service and contributions.
In 2014, the George B. James '57 '60 Memorial Scholarship was endowed in his honor. When the scholarship was first established, it provided one scholarship a year. The endowment is now able to award three, $5,000 scholarships a year to full-time undergraduate students majoring in industrial technology (currently known as engineering tech) who demonstrate good character, financial need and dedication to high academic achievement.
“Through this scholarship, George’s memory and his many contributions to Fitchburg State will continue to touch lives for decades to come,” Colbert said.