Village of Swanton
Proclamation of the Village Board of Trustees
James H. Mapes Day December 18, 2025
WHEREAS, Sonarman Third Class James Haff Mapes was born on December 18, 1930, in St. Albans, Vermont; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mapes spent his earliest years at 43 Grand Avenue in Swanton Village, the home of his grandparents, and though his family moved for his father’s work when he was three years old, he returned every Christmas and every summer to that beloved house on Grand Avenue, cementing a lifelong connection to the Village; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mapes attended St. Lawrence University for eighteen months, married Ms. Doris Zimmerman, and soon thereafter answered the call to service by enlisting in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, during the Korean War, Sonarman Third Class Mapes served with honor aboard the USS Hale (DD-642), a destroyer homeported in Key West, Florida, operating with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean in support of American diplomacy and international stability; and
WHEREAS, following his naval service, Mr. Mapes resided in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, until 1959, when he returned home to 43 Grand Avenue in Swanton Village, reaffirming his ties to this community; and
WHEREAS, in 1985, Mr. Mapes continued that legacy of dedication to country by retiring as a U.S. Customs Inspector, and in the same year made his home in Swanton Town, where he remains a respected and cherished member of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Swanton wishes to honor Mr. Mapes for his military service, his dedication to public duty, and his lifelong connection to our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Village of Swanton does hereby proclaim December 18, 2025, as
JAMES H. MAPES DAY
and encourages all residents to join in celebrating his 95th birthday and recognizing his contributions to our nation and our village.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to James H. Mapes on this milestone occasion.
Adopted by vote of the Village Board of Trustees
Village of Swanton, Vermont this 8th day of December 2025
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Suzie Kelleher, Trustee David Winchester, President
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Adam Paxman, Trustee Neal Speer, Trustee