Senate Resolution No. 3389

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING James W. Murphy upon the occasion of
his retirement after 28 years of distinguished
service as a Sergeant-at-Arms in the New York State
Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend James W. Murphy upon the occasion of his retirement after 28
years of distinguished service as a Sergeant-at-Arms in the New York
State Senate; he officially retired from this esteemed position on
Sunday, December 31, 2017; and

WHEREAS, James W. Murphy, affectionately known as Jim, was born on
May 11, 1932, to Charles and Janet Brennan Murphy in Cohoes, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Growing up in the Capital Region, James W. Murphy graduated
from Albany High School in June 1950, before enlisting in the United
States Marine Corps on May 11, 1952, in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, James W. Murphy valiantly served his country during the
Korean War from May of 1953 to August of 1954, at the Marine Corps base
in Pohang; he was then stationed at the Boston Navy Yard from August of
1954 until his honorable discharge on May 11, 1955; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, James W.
Murphy attended Siena College from 1955 to 1959, earning a Bachelor of
Science degree in Accounting; and

WHEREAS, James W. Murphy and Mary Knapp were united in marriage on
May 31, 1958, and together they raised three children; and

WHEREAS, James W. Murphy began his illustrious career as
Sergeant-at-Arms in the New York State Senate in January of 1990, prior
to which he was employed by the Internal Revenue Service for 27 years;
and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as Sergeant-at-Arms, James W. Murphy served
with loyalty, honor and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of
duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official
acts; and

WHEREAS, James W. Murphy is a devout member of St. Francis de Sales
Church in Colonie, where he previously served as a religious education
teacher; in addition, he was a little league coach in Colonie from
1968-1972, and an assistant coach in East Greenbush from 2001-2005; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, James W. Murphy is a member
of the American Legion as well as the United States Internal Revenue
Post 1750, where he has served as Post Commander three times; and

WHEREAS, For the past 28 years, James W. Murphy rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the New York State Senate, earning
the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Mary, and their
three children, James E., Dolores and Ann, as well as a grandson, Ryan
James, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his
many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership and commitment as that demonstrated by
James W. Murphy over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James W. Murphy upon the occasion of his retirement after 28
years of distinguished service as a Sergeant-at-Arms in the New York
State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James W. Murphy.