Senate Resolution No. 1131

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING James Flood Sr. upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate James Flood Sr. upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday to
be celebrated on May 2, 2019; and

WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. was born to Pearl (McMickens) and Thomas
Flood on May 2, 1919, in Greer, South Carolina; wanting the best for
their son, his parents sent him to live with his Aunt Texanna and Uncle
Arthur in Jamaica, New York, where he ran track and received a
well-rounded education at John Adams High School; and

WHEREAS, After two years of courtship, James Flood Sr. married his
late wife the former Marian Schmelling, a union which would last for 73
years; together, they raised eight children, James, Jr., Charles, Sr.,
Joan, Barbara, Gloria, Ronald, Sr., Michelle and the late Leonore; and

WHEREAS, An automobile mechanic, James Flood Sr. owned and operated
a Mobil service station in Jamaica for many years; he also worked as a
mechanic for the United States Postal Service, and Chrysler Corporation
for 15 years; and

WHEREAS, After becoming a Certified Master Mechanic, James Flood Sr.
went to work for his son, James Jr. who opened a Shell gas station in
Douglaston, New York, a position he would hold until he retired; never
one to sit idle, he worked part-time for B+N Shell in Richmond Hill; and

WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. is truly a kind and generous man, who is
always ready to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed,
whether it was clearing his neighbors' walks of snow and leaves, or
taking care of his beloved family, especially his 27 grandchildren, 42
great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren, and three
great-great-great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, A man of many passions, James Flood Sr. truly lives each
and every day to the fullest; he enjoyed staying active by hunting and
fishing, playing baseball for the Buffalos, and traveling across the
United States and all over the world; always young at heart, he loves to
visit theme parks and is a faithful participant of the Hinnecock Pow Wow
every Labor Day Weekend; and

WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. attends the Robert Couch Senior Center and
many of its functions, and has a season pass for the Black Spectrum
Theater; every December he rides the subway to the Alvin Ailey Dance
Theater at City Center to watch the holiday show, and votes at every
election; and

WHEREAS, James Flood Sr., with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, James Flood Sr. has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate James Flood Sr. upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday on May 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Flood Sr.