Central College has received a bequest of $1.97 million from the late James Naccarato Sr., a 1943 graduate of the college who served as a military attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. The gift will support the James J. Naccarato Scholarship, established in his name in 2007.

“Jim’s gift will help Central students experience first-class opportunities, discover their passions, form lifelong relationships and positively impact the world around them,” says Sunny Gonzales Eighmy, a 1999 graduate of the college and vice president for advancement. “We are forever grateful for Jim and his desire to share his generosity with Central students for many years to come.”

Originally from Johnstown, New York, Naccarato made a name for himself at Central as a writer and frequent columnist for The Central Ray, the college’s student newspaper. As a history major, he often wrote commentary on American politics and always encouraged his fellow students to participate in “the political life of our nation, state and local community.”

Naccarato went on to earn a law degree from Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington City, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a military attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., for many years. From 1961-64, Naccarato served as president of the Washington, D.C., Central Club.

Naccarato died Feb. 3, 2020, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was 102.