James A. Restucci (Biography)
James A. (Jim) Restucci was born and raised in the suburbs of Hartford, Connecticut. He attended John Patterson Elementary School, John Wallace Middle School and Newington High School.
After High School Jim joined the U.S. Army and spent 10 years serving at home and abroad, past units include:
1st Battalion, 39th Infantry (MECHANIZED) in Baumholder, West Germany, 1st Bn, 506th Infantry (AASLT) in the Republic of Korea, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, USAG Yakima Firing Center (Range Control).
He was also awarded a number of information technology certifications, including:
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
- Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
- Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
- Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP)
- Novel Certified Network Engineer (CNE)
Jim also received both the Terminal Area Security Officer (TASO) Levels 1 and 2 certification and the Information Assurance Manager (IAM) and Information Security Assurance Manager (ISAM) certifications from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Jim was awarded a Secret security clearance in 1985 and maintained that clearance until his discharge in 1994. Upon which he joined the Washington Army National Guard (WAARNG), where he was awarded the same clearance and held it until his discharge in 2002.
While serving in the WAARNG, Jim was appointed by the Governor as a member of the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Staff and served in multiple units, including the 1st Battalion 303rd Armor and the 181st Support Battalion. During that time Jim was appointed by the Director of Information Management (DOIM) to be the State's first Regional Information Management Officer (IMO). As Central Washington's IMO Jim was responsible for the computer maintenance, technical support and information technology training of all National Guard units in the Central Washington area, as well as, the operation, training and security of a 1/2 million dollar state-of-the-art Distance Learning Center at the U.S. Army's Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington.
During his military career Jim has been awarded numerous times by the U.S. Government and the State of Washington, some of his more notable awards are below:
- U.S. Army Commendation Medal (awarded twice)
- U.S. Army Achievement Medal (awarded six times)
- U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal (awarded four times)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal (awarded twice)
- Washington State Guardsman's Medal (awarded for acts of Heroism by the Governor)
In 2002, after serving his country for the better part of two decades, Jim left the military to form Axcess Internet Services, Inc.® with his partners, DeLeesa Restucci, Ron & DeAnn Hochhalter. More information about Axcess Internet can be found here.
Jim was also very active in the civilian sector, and played a major role in the founding/creation of a number of ISP's in the Yakima Valley, including NWINFO.NET, Eastern Washington Online, Web-Ster Internet and Internet of Yakima.
In 2004 at the age of 37, Jim decided to start a new chapter in his life and with help of his wife DeLeesa and a close circle of friends, ran for and was elected to City Council for the City of Sunnyside, Washington. He was immediately appointed by the Council to serve as primary delegate to the Association of Washington Cities, Yakima Valley Conference of Goverments and as a member of the board of directors and executive committee of the Sunnyside Economic Development Association. In 2006 he was selected to serve as Mayor pro tempore and served in that capacity till 2008. In 2008, Jim ran unopposed for re-election and is currently serving his 2nd term in office. In February 2009, Jim was again appointed as Mayor pro tempore and in January 2010 was appointed as Mayor.
Jim also serves on the National League of Cities Information Technology & Communications Committee, Association of Washington Cities, Legislative Commitee, and numerous boards and commissions both at the State and County level. More information about Jim's political appointments can be found on the City of Sunnyside's official website.
Jim has also received the following civilian awards or certifications.
Washington State Notary Public - Appointed 02/2007, Commission Expires 02/2011
Association of Washington Cities, Certificate of Municipal Leadership, 2006
Association of Washington Cities, Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, 2009
Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1994, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from Ashford University Online.
Jim started his career in the computer industry early in life, having written his first computer program at the age of thirteen. Whether it was running a Bulletin Board System (the precursor to the public Internet), writing computer programs, or providing technical assistance and consultation. Jim has always been on the cutting edge of technology. He prides himself on being able to know what the "next big thing" will be and how to capitalize on it.
Jim donates his time and energy to many different groups and organizations.
Jim is married to DeLeesa (Hochhalter) Restucci, they have two children, Dylan (17) and Alex (16) and reside in Sunnyside, Washington. When not conducting business for Axcess or the City of Sunnyside, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, blogging on this site, and playing a challenging game of chess, and recently has been playing a number of the games on Facebook.