LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James W. Sturr, Sr.,
distinguished citizen 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 W. Sturr, Sr. of Florida, New York, died on Thursday,
February 4, 2010, at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, The son of the late Walter R. and Marion Millspaugh Sturr, he
was born November 8, 1920, in Florida, New York, where he lived his
entire life; and
WHEREAS, He proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Air Force during World War II as a First Lieutenant, and was a
member of American Legion Post No. 1250 for over 60 years; and
WHEREAS, A gracious man that touched the hearts of many, James W.
Sturr, Sr. was always there to help people with his warm personality,
smile and heartfelt concern; and
WHEREAS, He distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere
dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community;
James W. Sturr, Sr. was the President and CEO of The Chester National
Bank and Key Bank; and
WHEREAS, In his retirement years, James W. Sturr, Sr. became an aucti-
oneer and enjoyed his work throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, James W. Sturr, Sr.'s commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, He was a lifetime member of the Florida Presbyterian Church
and was a Board Trustee with the Florida Cemetery Association, serving
as Vice President from 1958 - 1975, until he was elected President,
serving until 1990; furthermore, he was an active member of the Florida
Fire Department for over 64 years as a fireman, driver and President for
25 years; served as a Fire Commissioner for 20 years; was an original
member of the Florida Firemen's Marching Band; a member of the Florida
Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 25 years; and a member and President of
the Board of Education for S.S. Seward High School for 25 years, where
he was instrumental in the purchase of the property for the Golden Hill
Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James W. Sturr, Sr. was a charter member of the
Florida Lions Club; a member of the Black Meadow Hunting Club, and Hill-
top Hunting Club; and a founding member and President of the Board at
St. Anthony's Hospital in Warwick, New York; in 2008, the Village of
Florida honored him with the prestigious Life Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, James W. Sturr, Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 69
years, Lillian Gallagher Sturr; his son, famed band leader, James W.
Sturr, Jr. and his girlfriend, Barbara James; two grandchildren,
Kenneth (Cathy) James, and Jennifer James; a sister, Dorothy Reed; and
one brother-in-law, Thomas Gallagher; as well as numerous nieces and
nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, James W. Sturr, Sr. 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 W. Sturr, Sr., 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 W. Sturr, Sr.