Local News

Stalwart Service: United Way to recognize James B. McIntyre with 2026 Joseph H. Mason Award

 Jamestown resident James B. McIntyre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award, which is presented annually by United Way of Chautauqua County.

Now in its 46th year, the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes the community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member. McIntyre will be recognized with the award during United Way's annual "Salute To Labor" dinner, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.

Named for Joseph H. Mason, a long-standing United Way board member who exemplified labor's commitment to community service, the award honors an individual whose commitment to serving others reflects the important role organized labor plays in strengthening communities.

A retired member of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre spent more than 39 years with Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric in Jamestown, beginning as an apprentice electrician in 1987 and progressing through roles as a journeyman, small and large project foreman, and ultimately senior estimator and project manager. He retired from the company in March 2026.

For more than three decades, McIntyre has dedicated his time and expertise to training future electricians through the IBEW Local 106 apprenticeship program, while also serving 12 years on the union’s executive board. He also developed and taught a foreman's program, giving leadership instruction to apprentices in the final year of their apprenticeship.

McIntyre's volunteer service includes work through his church, for the local food bank, youth programs and community projects.

"Jim represents so much of what this award is about," said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director. "His commitment to his union and to helping others has carried through every part of his life. Whether he is teaching and mentoring the next generation of electricians, helping families access food, serving through his church or putting his skills to work wherever they are needed, Jim has consistently found ways to make a difference."

McIntyre was nominated by Dean Roe of IBEW Local 106, who also highlighted McIntyre's longtime commitment to both organized labor and community service.

LENGTHY SERVICE RESUME

Born and raised in Busti, McIntyre comes from a multi-generational family in Chautauqua County and graduated from Southwestern Central School District in 1984 and Jamestown Community College in 1986. A member of Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church for 30 years, McIntyre has served as a trustee and member of the church’s leadership team, volunteered on building maintenance and construction projects, and started and led the church’s Holiday Valley Ski Club for nearly 20 years.

He and his wife, Julie, have also participated in multiple mission trips to the Juarez, Mexico, area with Harvest Hands Ministries of Westfield. Over the years, their service has included helping with the construction of an orphanage and school for children in the area.

Their experience serving communities in Mexico also inspired the McIntyres to become more involved in addressing food insecurity at home. The McIntyres currently serve as directors of the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, which partners with the Salvation Army of Warren and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.

Last year, the food pantry served approximately 1,600 client visits and distributed nearly 80,000 pounds of food to local families with limited incomes. McIntyre also intentionally maintains a large garden each year so that the McIntyres can provide fresh produce to the food pantry.

The McIntyres are members of Servants On Wheels Ever Ready (SOWER), a Christian RV organization that partners with organizations across the country to provide skilled maintenance and other assistance. Their first project following McIntyre's retirement was completed in June at Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, Pa., with additional service trips planned.

McIntyre has also participated in numerous community projects through IBEW Local 106, including the original construction of the St. Susan Center and the relighting of the Jamestown Boys & Girls Club. He previously served on the design committee for the Southwestern Central School District during the development of its new elementary school.

While the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes McIntyre’s individual record of service, much of that work has been shared with his wife, Julie. The couple has been married for 38 years and have worked together in their food pantry ministry, church service and mission work. Mrs. McIntyre, now also retired after nearly 30 years as a high school biology teacher, has been an active volunteer through Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church and served for many years as treasurer of the NYSUT union representing her school.

The McIntyres have two adult children, Steven and Nicholas - both of whom are married and live in the area. Steven McIntyre is finishing up his IBEW LU 106 apprenticeship program and Nicholas McIntyre is a former member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which was Joseph H. Mason's union. Nicholas now works at BETTS Industries in Warren, Pa.

Tickets for the 2026 Salute To Labor Dinner can be purchased by contacting United Way of Chautauqua County. Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of eight. For questions, or to RSVP for the event, contact Nick Dean by calling 716-483-1561 or emailing ndean@unitedwaychq.org.

ABOUT THE JOSEPH H. MASON AWARD

Joseph H. Mason was the directing business representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 65, representing southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. Mason was recognized nationally for serving as the first co-chair of the labor management committee, a locally initiated revolutionary approach to labor relations. He was a long-standing member of the United Way Board of Directors. After Mason’s passing, the United Way Board of Directors created the award in recognition of labor’s critical contribution to the success of United Way. For 46 years, the Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award has recognized local union members who demonstrate that same commitment to their workplaces, their fellow workers and the communities they call home.

Previous recipients have represented a wide range of local unions and professions, including public service, education, law enforcement, manufacturing and the skilled trades.