Ep. 5/21/2024 - The Jiggy Jaguar Show JAMES M. DEFRANCIA

Longtime Aspen resident and humanitarian James M. DeFrancia has dedicated his life to service both in and out of Aspen. His Aspen work includes once serving as president of the Rotary Club and as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the city’s budget task force. Currently he sits on the city’s Historical Preservation Committee. He’s also working on Amendment 66, a November question on the state ballot related to raising money for education. “We’re a small town, but we’re part of a larger world,” DeFrancia said. “(People) here are involved in things outside just our local community and doing our best to contribute to the larger society.” DeFrancia’s contributions beyond Aspen were demonstrated in July, when the Department of the Navy recognized and presented him with one of the three top Civilian Service Honorary Awards — the Distinguished Civilian Service Award. “As citizens we have an obligation to contribute to our community and in doing so we make the community better and a better community for us.” — James M. DeFrancia Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presented DeFrancia the award “for (his) exemplary service while serving as Member of the Secretary of the Navy Advisory Panel from February 2010 to December 2012,” the award says. DeFrancia has devoted much of his life to the Navy. He first attended the Naval Academy in 1959 and went on to serve seven years of active duty and in the reserves for 20 years. DeFrancia took this position with no hesitation and said he was happy to serve after being nominated by the White House and appointed by the secretary of defense. “The Navy was always my first love,” DeFrancia said. “When I received this appointment three years ago, I welcomed it. It was a great honor to me personally because of my long-standing affection and commitment to the Navy.” It’s the highest civilian award that an individual can achieve, given to a person for their extraordinary service, specific achievements and/or accomplishments, or heroism in a life-threatening situation, according to the Navy. DeFrancia was recognized for his recommendations specifically concerning energy efficiency, shipbuilding, Asia-Pacific engagement, intelligence organization and maritime issues. He said he was most excited about the efforts he devoted toward energy-saving options within the Navy. The Navy is focused on reducing its energy and fossil-fuel demand by 50 percent in the next six years, DeFrancia said. After being exposed to the Aspe