LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James S. Cameron, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay proper tribute
to individuals of great character whose lives reflected the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework enhanced the quality of life in
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, With deep remorse, this Legislative Body is moved to mourn
the passing of James S. Cameron, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community, who died on March 7, 2013, at the age of 82;
and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron was one of New York State's foremost child
welfare experts who, for 50 years, provided educational and policy lead-
ership on child abuse and neglect treatment and prevention in the State
and throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, The son of the late Donald and Bertha Kenney Cameron, James
S. Cameron was born on April 6, 1930, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts;
and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron served his country as a member of the United
States Army as a psychiatric social worker during the Korean War; after
leaving the service, he earned an MA/AB from Boston University in 1955,
and a Master of Social Work degree from the University at Buffalo, State
University of New York, in 1961; and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron began his child welfare career in Buffalo,
New York, working his way up to the position of Director of Child
Protective Services in Erie County; he then moved to the Albany area to
become the first Director of New York's Child Protective Services,
advising the New York State Legislature and setting up the Statewide
Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment and reporting hotline;
and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron used his vast knowledge of child welfare
issues and policy to make a positive difference in the lives of count-
less children across the nation; he was a much sought after speaker at
state and national conferences, published numerous articles on child
protective services practice, and served on several state and national
committees dedicated to protecting children from violence, including the
National Resource Center on Child Abuse; and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, He was a faithful and beloved member of St. Andrew's Episco-
pal Church in Albany for many years where he generously used his talents
in support of many of the church's ministries; he served as a vestry
member, senior warden, and member and chair of the Outreach Committee,
as well as the parish liaison to the Extra Helpings food buying club
sponsored by FOCUS Interfaith Food Pantry; and
WHEREAS, James S. Cameron exemplified what it truly means to give of
oneself; he was a beautiful light in the lives of all of those with whom
he came into contact; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his parents, James S. Cameron is predeceased
by his late wife, Lee Scanlon Cameron and son, Adam Cameron; brothers,
Donald Cameron Jr. and Malcolm Cameron; and a brother-in-law, Peter
Scanlon; he is survived by his daughter, Paige L. Cameron and his
sister-in-law, Frances (Stanley) Merrill; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James S. Cameron's life was a portrait of love and service;
he 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 S. Cameron, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James S. Cameron.