Honor Reverend James Thompson

Senate Resolution No. 26 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING The Reverend James R. Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The Reverend James R. Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which provides support for seniors in the capital district through education and dialogue; and WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations, government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors themselves; and WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for their lifetime achievements; and WHEREAS, Reverend James R. Thompson is being recognized as an extraordinary senior for his tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of others and for giving selflessly in community service; and WHEREAS, James R. Thompson, affectionately known as Jim, was born to Helen (Delamater) Thompson and James R. Thompson, Sr. in Middletown, New York; he grew up in Liberty, New York, where he attended public schools through high school; and WHEREAS, James R. Thompson earned his bachelor's degree in drama from the former New York State College for Teachers (SUNYA) where he was an active member of the debate team and the Tau Kappa Alpha National Debate Honor Society; from 1953-1954, he was employed as stage manager; and WHEREAS, In the fall of 1952, James R. Thompson joined Liberty NY First Presbyterian Church by adult baptism; in 1953, he served as a volunteer teacher at Westminster Presbyterian Church for the Union College Character Research Project; and WHEREAS, On September 5, 1953, James R. Thompson married the late Lois Porter at the First Church in Albany; together, the couple raised four children, Barbara, James III, David, and Scott; and WHEREAS, James R. Thompson obtained his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1957, and received the Maxwell fellowship from Auburn Seminary at Union to study at Drew Theological School; he also spent two summers at the Mansfield College, Oxford University; in

1998-2012, he was the volunteer parish associate for Westminster Presbyterian Church of Albany; in this capacity, he played a key role in the development of the church's outreach to West Africa by helping ruling elders and members connect with Albany area residents born in Ghana; and WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Reverend James R. Thompson has been active in the Albany Presbytery; he chaired the Christian Education and the Peace and Justice Committees, and was a moderator with permanent judicial commission; and WHEREAS, In April of 2007, Reverend James R. Thompson became engaged to Carol Zepf during Westminster Presbyterian Church's annual brunch; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Reverend James R. Thompson has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor The Reverend James R. Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Reverend James R. Thompson.