Senate Resolution No. 988

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Jim Harris, Sr. upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2021 Third Age
Achievement Award by Lifepath

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jim Harris,
Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2021 Third
Age Achievement Award by Lifepath, to be celebrated at its 25th Annual
Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 7, 2021, at Wolferts Roost Country Club,
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Lifepath is dedicated to keeping older neighbors and
friends healthy and safe by providing effective programs and support to
help them stay connected to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Each year, this auspicious event recognizes the
contributions area residents and professionals have made in their
communities during the Third Age of their lives (after turning 60
years-old); Jim Harris, Sr. is truly deserving of this prestigious
award; and

WHEREAS, Born in Albany, New York on March 12, 1939, Jim Harris, Sr.
is the oldest of four boys born to Ruth and Jim Harris; and

WHEREAS, Growing up, Jim Harris, Sr. was instilled with a strong
work ethic and an unbreakable bond of love with his family while
attending Our Saviors Lutheran Church; his connection with church
friends created a Christ-centered discipline which has served him well
throughout his purposeful life; and

WHEREAS, After attending Concordia Teachers College for one year,
Jim Harris, Sr. returned to Albany to start a career; with experience he
learned from delivering the Times Union and the Knickerbocker newspapers
to his 200 customers at the age of 12, he set out to look for a job; and

WHEREAS, During this time, he found work delivering liquor to bars
and liquor stores between Albany and south to Palisades, while also
attending night school at Russell Sage; and

WHEREAS, Today, Jim Harris, Sr. is the Founder and Chairman of
Janitronics Facility Services, which was launched in March of 1972, and
under his able leadership, has grown in excess of 1,800 employees and
performs high performance cleaning for schools, office complexes,
semi-conductor facilities and health related critical care units; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man is also past President of the
Building Service Contractors Association International, co-founder of

The Maids International, and Founder and CEO of Concepts4 International
Consulting; and

WHEREAS, Co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Cleaning Industry
Research Institute International, Jim Harris, Sr. also oversaw the
research for the ISSA K-12 Cleaning Standard; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Jim Harris, Sr. has served as President of both Shenendehowa
Junior Plainsmen youth football and the Albany County Cancer Society, as
well as a Board member of Capitol District Youth for Christ and a
10-year Board member of St. Ann's Institute; he is also past President
of the Capitol Region Chamber; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he served on the Boards of St. Peters
Foundation and Search Ministries, Inc., and is a member of Our Saviors
Lutheran Church and the Albany Country Club; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his son, the late Jeff, with him throughout
have been Jim Jr., Jill and Lan Jin, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Jim Harris, Sr. has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jim Harris, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2021 Third Age Achievement Award by Lifepath; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jim Harris, Sr.