J. Walter Juckett was born on May 26, 1908 in Mittineague, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of Norwich University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and was a Trustee of the University from 1958 until his death.
In 1936, J. Walter Juckett began work at Sandy Hill Iron and Brass Works as office manager and his father Frank Juckett was appointed President. During World War II, Mr. Juckett received the rank of captain and served as the director of military training in the Second Command Tactical School. Mr. Juckett was named President of Sandy Hill in 1957.
Mr. Juckett had a great love for the Hudson Falls and especially education. He was a member of the Hudson Falls School Board for 28 years and was president of the board for 17 years. During his tenure he helped establish the Hudson Falls Central School District from 16 common school districts in Kingsbury and the town of Fort Edward. In 1985, Mr. Juckett was awarded the State University of New York’s Distinguished Citizen Award.
Mr. Juckett had many local interests. He was a director of Kamyr Inc., President of Richmor Aviation, Director of the Glens Falls Insurance Co., Director of the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co., Vice President of the Mohican Council of the Boy Scouts, a founding Trustee of the Sandy Hill Foundation, a founding Director and Chairman of the Lake Champlain Cancer Research Organization, and Chairman of the Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center. Other interests included the First Presbyterian Church, the Chapman Museum, BOCES, ACC, the Salvation Army, the Glens Falls Community Workshop, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Lake George Opera Festival.
Mr. Juckett passed away in 1988, but his legacy continues to enhance the quality of life in our community. This is personified in Juckett Park, the showpiece of our town that symbolizes the pride J. Walter Juckett took in our community.