James Filosofos served in the Air Force towards the end of World War II, beginning in 1944.

“At the time, everybody wanted to join in World War II, but I couldn't I couldn't wait,” Filosofos said. “I enlisted when I was 17, and they didn't take me. I was 18. But no, I mean, it was a proud time to serve your country.”

James says it was quite the experience for an 18-year-old.

“I was in training just about all the time,” he said. “I mean, we just flew training missions, but we never got into combat. I mean, the war was almost over, so they really didn't need us.”

James completed his active service in 1946. In 1978, at the age of 52, he had his first heart attack.

“I felt like I had severe chest pains and I couldn't walk. I couldn't hardly do anything,” he explained.

He had another heart attack this past December, and he went to Buffalo General Medical Center to get a transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, procedure. It’s done to replace an aortic valve that isn’t opening fully. 

“To me, there was nothing to do,” he said. “They took me to a room and I laid on a table. They put me to sleep and I woke up and I felt fine.”

And now, he says his heart continues to feel good.

“I'm not 100%. I still have to use a walker, he said. “But outside of that, I don't have any pains or nausea."

For anyone else who’s considering getting the procedure done, he says to not be scared.