Senate Resolution No. 2498

BY: Senator COONEY

MOURNING the untimely death of James E. Sauer,
renowned pilot, loving husband and father, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; James E. Sauer was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of James E. Sauer, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, James E. Sauer of Churchville, New York, died suddenly on
Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the age of 60; and

WHEREAS, Born to Eugene and Joyce (Lindsay) Sauer on July 12, 1961,
James E. Sauer began his immense passion for flying at just 13 years old
as a member of the Civil Air Patrol; he went on to earn a Bachelor's
degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College; and

WHEREAS, A United States Army veteran and former police officer,
James E. Sauer spent more than four decades serving others, beginning
in 1979 as a soldier; and

WHEREAS, James E. Sauer was a pilot for the New York State Army
National Guard for 40 years, retiring in 2020 after serving several
tours overseas including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom,
Restore Hope, Desert Storm and others; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to serving his
community, James E. Sauer gave tirelessly of his time and energies as a
Rochester Police Officer from 1993 to 2001, before serving the Holley
Police Department; he later spent 17 years as a distinguished New York
State Police Pilot, retiring in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a volunteer firefighter and a pilot
with Bill Law Aviation and American Eagle; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the New York State Police and the New
York State Army National Guard, James E. Sauer started a career with
Mercy Flight; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, James E. Sauer
was a dedicated member of Open Door Baptist Church where he served
through ministry; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a father to his two children, and a husband
to his loving wife of 39 years, Marie; he also enjoyed farming and was
always eager to try new adventures and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, James E. Sauer is survived by
his wife, Marie (Ogden) Sauer; his son, Joshua (Julie) Sauer; his
daughter, Laura (Jeff) Ames; six grandchildren, McKaleigh, Kristiana,
Jacob, Olivia, Gavin and Grace; his siblings, Karen (Herman) Schultz,
Susan (James) Flagg, Shirley (Robert) Vetere and Gerry (Pamela) Sauer;
several nieces and nephews; and countless friends and coworkers; and

WHEREAS, James E. Sauer's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James E. Sauer leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will be
deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of James E. Sauer, and to extend its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of James E. Sauer.