In January of 1969 James MacArthur entered The United States Army took basic training and one AIT class in Fort Dix N.J. then went to Fort Benning, Georgia for a 2^nd AIT class.

After completing his training in September of 1969. Jim was assigned to the 4^th Inf. Division in Vietnam in September of 1970.

He returned home and was assigned to a reforger unit in Germany. While there, Jim reenlisted for six years and in 1973 he was reassigned to Fort Benning Georgia.  Not that happy with Fort Benning Jim volunteered to go back to Germany. 

While in Germany for the second time he attained the rank of SSG E-6. In April of 1977 Jim returned home and was honorably discharged at Fort Dix N.J., where it all started in 1969. 

Jim joined Cadby Shutts Veterans of Foreign Post 7552 in 1977, holding many positions over the years including Commander.  Currently he serves as the Post Quartermaster and Adjutant.

Jim has also held the position of Sr. Vice commander for Rip Van Winkle County Council for three years. In District 3 Jim has held the following positions Judge Advocate from 2015-2016, Jr. Vice Commander in 2016-2017, Sr. Vice Commander 2017-2018 and in 2018-2019 he was elected the District 3 Commander.   Working with of my fellow comrades, Jim had the honor of being an All-American District Commander in 2018-2019.  Jim was elected as Department of New York Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander and served as Department of New York State Commander 2025-2025.

Since 2020 Jim has been the Chair of the Commander’s annual golf tournament which raises money to support the Commander’s Special Project.  Originally held at one location in the Capital District area, it is now held at three locations throughout the state on Armed Forces weekend.

Jim worked for the Town of Ancram as Highway Superintendent for twenty-three years. In 2023 Jim was elected as Town Supervisor for the Town of Ancram.

Jim’s community service includes being a 40-year member of the Ancram Fire Company, member of the Columbia County Fire Fighters Association, EMT for the community rescue squad and President of the Columbia County Highway Superintendent Association.

Jim has a daughter, Jamie and four wonderful grandchildren: Vincent, Riley, Levi and Penelope.