Senate Resolution No. 290

BY: Senator STEC

MOURNING the death of James T. Kneeshaw, admired
educator, proud veteran, and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw of Queensbury, New York, died on
Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from Bolton High School and SUNY Plattsburgh
with teaching and administrative degrees; and

WHEREAS, Spending much time in the classroom, James T. Kneeshaw
taught in Trumansburg, New York, at Queensbury School where he retired
as Principal, and at Ticonderoga Central School, where he served as the
Superintendent for three years; and

WHEREAS, After his first year of teaching in Trumansburg, James T.
Kneeshaw enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving for five years; he
attended flight school training in Pensacola, Florida, and was assigned
to Replacement Air Group VF-121 and trained to fly the F3H Demon
Aircraft, becoming a "Demon Driver" Pilot in Flight Squadron VF-151
Carrier Group 15, which was assigned to the U.S.S. Coral Sea; and

WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw made the first of his 200 landings on May
17, 1960, in the Western Pacific, achieving the designation of being a
Double Centurion Naval Aviator; completing his active-duty military
service in July of 1962, he then became a reservist in the Navy Reserve
Unit in Glens Falls; and

WHEREAS, An active resident of his community, James T. Kneeshaw
owned and operated the Rondack Motel and Cottages, served on the Bolton
Planning and Zoning Boards, worked summers on the Lake George Marine
Patrol, and joined the Civil Air Patrol as well; and

WHEREAS, Most recently, he completed 17 years of service with the
Lake George Park Commission Board of Directors, applying his life's
passion to the protection of Lake George; and

WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement, James T. Kneeshaw enjoyed sailing,
hiking in the Adirondack high peaks, skiing, running, and spending time
with his loving family; and


WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw is survived by his long-time partner
Betty Little, his sisters, Elizabeth and Maureen, his four beloved
children, Holly, Wendy, Kelly, and James, and many cherished
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, James T. Kneeshaw also enjoyed the company of his long-time
partner's extended family, her children, their spouses, and 18
grandchildren, all of whom affectionately called him "Papa Jim"; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James T. Kneeshaw leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of James T. Kneeshaw, admired educator, proud veteran,
and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James T. Kneeshaw.