At 18 years old, fresh out of high school in Cleveland, Ohio, James made a life-defining decision: he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Rather than waiting to be drafted, he chose to serve his country on his own terms.
During his time in the military, James worked as a personnel specialist—comparable to today’s human resources roles—supporting fellow service members. His journey took him from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to South Korea, and eventually to Vietnam, where he served for over a year before being honorably discharged.
After returning home, James built a life rooted in hard work and resilience. He held a variety of jobs before spending more than two decades with a transportation and trucking company. But in 2012, his career took an unexpected turn when he was laid off due to company downsizing. At a stage when many are preparing for retirement, James instead faced years of uncertainty, navigating a challenging job market while trying to support himself and his wife.
In 2017, James found his way to the Tierney Center for Veteran Services at Goodwill of Orange County. There, he participated in workshops and an internship program designed to help individuals regain meaningful employment. Through his dedication and persistence, James stood out, and that effort led to a new opportunity. Later that year, he was hired by Goodwill OC as a Job Coach, helping others on their own paths to employment.
This role brought purpose and fulfillment, but James has shared that continuing to work into his 70s wasn’t part of the plan. Years of unemployment had placed a significant strain on his family, forcing them to rely on savings to get by.
Another challenge had been quietly unfolding in the background for years. In 2015, James attempted to file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs related to health conditions connected to his service. Without guidance, the process proved difficult to navigate, and his claim was denied.
Years later, with encouragement from the Tierney Center team, James decided to try again—this time with support. With the help of a dedicated case manager, he worked through the process step by step, gathering documentation and advocating for his case.
In 2026, after years of perseverance, James finally received the benefits he deserved.
The outcome marked a turning point and James decided it was a good time to retire. For the first time in years, James could look toward the future with a renewed sense of stability and peace of mind. Today, he is able to shift his focus away from uncertainty and toward what matters most: spending time with his wife and enjoying a well-earned sense of security.
What stands out most in James’ story is not just the challenges he faced, but how he responded to them—with resilience, humility, and an enduring commitment to others. Even after reaching a milestone many years in the making, his first instinct was to give back and support those around him.
James’ journey reflects the heart of Goodwill OC’s mission: empowering individuals to overcome barriers, achieve independence, and build brighter futures. It also highlights the importance of advocacy, community support, and never giving up—even when the path forward feels uncertain.
After a lifetime of service to his country and his community, James is finally able to embrace a new chapter—one defined not by hardship, but by stability, dignity, and the opportunity to enjoy the life he worked so hard to build.
We are very proud of James, grateful to have him on the Goodwill OC team, and honored to be part of his journey.
To learn more about the Tierney Center of Veteran Services, please visit tierneycenter.org/.
Interested in joining the Goodwill OC team like James? Check out our careers page: www.ocgoodwill.org/join-the-goodwill-team/
