Honor James Flood Sr. Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 1131 BY: Senator COMRIE CONGRATULATING James Flood Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate James Flood Sr. upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday to be celebrated on May 2, 2019; and WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. was born to Pearl (McMickens) and Thomas Flood on May 2, 1919, in Greer, South Carolina; wanting the best for their son, his parents sent him to live with his Aunt Texanna and Uncle Arthur in Jamaica, New York, where he ran track and received a well-rounded education at John Adams High School; and WHEREAS, After two years of courtship, James Flood Sr. married his late wife the former Marian Schmelling, a union which would last for 73 years; together, they raised eight children, James, Jr., Charles, Sr., Joan, Barbara, Gloria, Ronald, Sr., Michelle and the late Leonore; and WHEREAS, An automobile mechanic, James Flood Sr. owned and operated a Mobil service station in Jamaica for many years; he also worked as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service, and Chrysler Corporation for 15 years; and WHEREAS, After becoming a Certified Master Mechanic, James Flood Sr. went to work for his son, James Jr. who opened a Shell gas station in Douglaston, New York, a position he would hold until he retired; never one to sit idle, he worked part-time for B+N Shell in Richmond Hill; and WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. is truly a kind and generous man, who is always ready to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed, whether it was clearing his neighbors' walks of snow and leaves, or taking care of his beloved family, especially his 27 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren, and three great-great-great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man of many passions, James Flood Sr. truly lives each and every day to the fullest; he enjoyed staying active by hunting and fishing, playing baseball for the Buffalos, and traveling across the United States and all over the world; always young at heart, he loves to visit theme parks and is a faithful participant of the Hinnecock Pow Wow every Labor Day Weekend; and WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. attends the Robert Couch Senior Center and many of its functions, and has a season pass for the Black Spectrum Theater; every December he rides the subway to the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at City Center to watch the holiday show, and votes at every election; and WHEREAS, James Flood Sr., with his zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate James Flood Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on May 2, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James Flood Sr.