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
1973, he furthered his education by earning his Master of Science degree
in Education at SUNYA; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his long and distinguished pastoral career,
Reverend James R. Thompson served as pastor for Presbyterian
congregations in Congers, New York, and both Stirling and Teaneck, New
Jersey; from 1970 until his retirement in 1996, he was the pastor at
Jermain Memorial Presbyterian Church in Watervliet, New York, and from
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.