James Van Vorst, Jr., class of 1968 is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for his service to his country and community.
In High School, Jim excelled in basketball and track. After graduating, Jim joined the N.Y.S. Carpenters Union and attended a Carpenters' Journeyman Program. He also joined the Rensselaer Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. A year later, he was drafted and enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his Honorable Discharge in 1972, he completed his carpenters' program and married. In 1976 Jim was hired as a firefighter for the Albany Fire Department and retired as a Captain in 2007, after a hip replacement. During his career as a fireman Jim also worked part time for 12 years for the City of Rensselaer in various capacities such as Code Enforcement Officer, HUD Rehab Specialist and Fire Chief. He worked as HUD Rehab Specialist for Cohoes, Watervliet and Columbia County as well. Jim also decided to serve his community by running for alderperson. He is currently in his second term as an Alderperson for the City of Rensselaer's 1st ward. He is a life member of E.F. Hart Hose Fire Company and served on the City of Rensselaer Planning Commission for 5 years. Jim currently operates his own business, JVV HUD Specialists Inc., working on HUD projects as an independent contractor.
Jim was nominated by his long-time friend, Beverly Finlay Ackerman '70. He and his wife of 43 years, the former Christine Smith `70, live in the house in Rensselaer that he grew up in. They have 3 children and are the proud grandparents of 4 grandchildren.
Beverly Finlay Ackerman '70 inducts Jim.