According to retired United States Army Staff Sergeant James Putney, he had a good, lavish life serving in the military. This level of humility is likely why he is so revered and respected by the Veterans Council and fellow members of the American Legion, Post 500.
In addition to 20 years of active-duty military service, Putney has exemplified his heart for service on a daily basis, which has garnered him with several honors, including Veteran of the Year for Post 500 for four years in a row and the Georgia Outstanding Citizen Award given by Georgia Senator Lester Jackson and signed by the Georgia Lt. Governor. Now, Putney can add Grand Marshal of the Savannah Veterans Day Parade to his list of accolades, a prestigious honor given only to one veteran each year.
Putney is a tried-and-true Savannah native. He attended Johnson Highschool and graduated from the job core program in April of 1972. His career with the Army had a bit of an unusual start. He had absolutely no intention of joining the military, until one day, he began walking to downtown, Savannah and found himself in the recruiting office.
“Something persuaded me to go into the recruiting station,” explained Putney. “What that was, I do not know to this day. It wasn’t planned and none of this was part of my agenda. Fifty- something years later, I haven’t figured out why I went in the recruiting station and joined the military.”
By April of 1972, Putney was enlisted in the Army and shortly after, was headed off to bootcamp in Ft. Jackson and then to his first duty station in Baumholder, Germany. He served as an engineer and experienced deployments to Korea, Panama and Honduras, among various other duty stations. He was a peacetime soldier and was fortunate to not serve in any wars. He retired in 1992 while stationed at Ft. Moore (formerly Ft. Benning) near Columbus.
“I don’t feel like my life is story-worthy,” said Putney. “It makes writing a story on me difficult.”
Contrary to Putney’s belief, all those who know him agree, his life is worthy of recognition. After retirement, Putney worked in construction for Chatham County at the courthouse. He enjoyed his second retirement one day after his birthday in 2016. After serving his country and then his county, Putney now focuses all his time on serving his community. Aside from four years as the chaplain of Post 500, he is also currently in his fourth year as post commander, a role in which he has led the purchase of a new building for his Post 500 and 36.
“We purchased a building along with Post 36 and renovations are expected to be done in March or April of 2024,” explained Putney.
According to Putney, aside from the day-to-day duties of operation, his job at its core is to take care of veterans, their widows and the community.
“It’s never about me, it’s about what I can do for other people,” said Putney. “You love thy neighbor as thy self, and the only way you can love thy neighbor as thy self is to offer them what you have in some fashion.”
Growing up, Putney said he had a role model that looked after him and today, he works to be that same role model to children throughout the community. He has been called “Mr. PTA Mom” for his roles as PTA president for Savannah High School and as PTA director for the southeast school district, of which he was the first African American male to be appointed. He also volunteers with multiple student programs throughout the district such as bands, JROTC, an oratorical program for the high schools and programs that teach local, state and federal government, along with the U.S. Constitution.
“You have to work unselfishly,” explained Putney.
Putney is about as selfless as they come and while he considers himself no hero, he is without a doubt a remarkable one who has dedicated his life to serving humanity in multiple ways. It is only fitting that after decades of service, he be honored ceremoniously with grandeur for a life that is not only remarkable, but story-worthy.
