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United Way award recipient has ties to area

A commitment to helping others can take many forms -- from standing up for working people to serving families in need.

At United Way of Chautauqua County's Salute to Labor dinner recently, James B. McIntyre, the 2026 Joseph H. Mason Award recipient, spoke about the connection between the two.

A retired member of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre has spent decades supporting fellow electrical workers as well as giving back to his community through his church, his local food bank, youth programs and community projects.

Now in its 46th year, the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes the community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member, honoring individuals whose commitment to serving others reflects labor's important role in strengthening communities. McIntyre was presented the award during United Way's annual Salute to Labor dinner held at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.

During his remarks, McIntyre reflected on how volunteering strengthens a person's commitment to helping others and how that same spirit of service connects community involvement with organized labor. He encouraged those in attendance to find ways to serve, bring younger generations into that work, and continue supporting the labor movement.

McIntyre spent more than 39 years with Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric Corp. in Jamestown, beginning his career as an apprentice electrician in 1987 and advancing through positions such as a journeyman, project foreman, and ultimately senior estimator and project manager. He retired from the company in March 2026.

Throughout his career, McIntyre remained committed to organized labor and mentoring the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For more than three decades, he helped train future electricians through the IBEW Local 106 apprenticeship program, served 12 years on the union's executive board, and developed and taught a foreman's program for apprentices nearing the completion of their training.

At one point during the award presentation, it was asked how many in attendance had been trained by McIntyre - which resulted in dozens of hands going up throughout the room.

Alongside his wife, Julie, McIntyre has volunteered through Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church, participated in mission trips to Mexico, and helped lead their church's food pantry. The couple has also contributed their time and skills to church construction projects, youth programs and other community initiatives.

The food pantry, which partners with the Salvation Army of Warren and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, served approximately 1,600 client visits and distributed nearly 80,000 pounds of food to local families last year. McIntyre also maintains a large garden each year to help provide fresh produce for the pantry.

"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."

The award was presented by Rohler, who also presented McIntyre with a commendation from the office of U.S. Rep Nick Langworthy. Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and state Assemblyman Andrew Molitor attended the dinner and presented additional commendations recognizing McIntyre's contributions.

UWCHQ Board Member Dan Gullotti welcomed attendees and recognized previous Joseph H. Mason Award recipients, the labor organizations represented at the dinner, and fellow United Way board members and staff.

The evening also brought together members of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre's family, and representatives of Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric Corp., the business sponsoring the award dinner. The group gathered for a photograph on the steps of the historic Athenaeum Hotel before the dinner.

The setting offered a particularly fitting connection to McIntyre's profession. Constructed in 1881, the Athenaeum was personally wired by inventor Thomas Edison and featured a dedicated coal-fired steam dynamo plant to generate electricity for its lighting. The hotel became one of the earliest electrically lit hotels in the world and remained a favored destination for Edison during his many visits to Chautauqua Institution.

McIntyre was nominated for the award by Dean Roe of IBEW Local 106.

While the recognition honors McIntyre's individual record of service, much of that work has been shared with Julie McIntyre, his wife of 38 years. Together, they have dedicated countless hours to their church, food pantry and mission work. Julie 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 currently 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 own union. Nicholas McIntyre now works at BETTS Industries in Warren, Pa.