Senate Resolution No. 1080

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Father James Patrick Jaeger upon
the occasion of his retirement after nearly four
decades of devoted service to the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Rochester and communities across New York
State and beyond

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those religious leaders who have faithfully served the spiritual
and pastoral needs of their communities, and whose commitment and
dedication have had a profound and lasting impact; and

WHEREAS, WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord
with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud
to congratulate Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his
retirement from active ministry, effective June 24, 2025, after nearly
40 years of devoted and distinguished service as a parish priest,
military chaplain, and hospital chaplain; and

WHEREAS, James Patrick Jaeger was born on April 11, 1957, in
Dubuque, Iowa, to James E. Jaeger and Mary Jane Rhoades; he was baptized
on May 5, 1957, at Saint Patrick's Church in Dubuque, and confirmed on
May 8, 1972, at Saint Mary's Church in Canandaigua, New York, where he
has remained deeply connected throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated scholar and servant of faith, James Jaeger
completed preparatory studies at the Community College of the Finger
Lakes (1976-1978) and Saint John Fisher College (1978-1980), before
pursuing theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South
Orange, New Jersey (1981-1985); and

WHEREAS, James Jaeger's progression through sacred orders included
receiving Tonsure (September 11, 1981), Minor Orders (March 14, 1982),
Sub-Deaconship (November 14, 1982), and Deaconship (June 1, 1985),
culminating in his ordination to the priesthood on May 17, 1986, by
Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Greece, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his vocation, Father James Jaeger
faithfully served in numerous parishes across the Diocese of Rochester,
including assignments as Priest Intern at Holy Name of Jesus and St. Ann
Roman Catholic Church, Hornell; Parochial Vicar at St. Ann, Hornell and
St. Margaret Mary, Irondequoit; and as Pastor at St. Ann, Hornell; the
Roman Catholic Faith Communities of the Canisteo Valley; St. Anne,
Palmyra and St. Gregory, Marion; and St. John Vianney, Bath and
Hammondsport; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, Father James Jaeger began a 17-year ministry at
St. John Vianney Parish in Steuben County, first as sacramental
minister and, beginning in 2019, as pastor, where he provided
exceptional pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance to the faithful;
and

WHEREAS, A devoted son of the Finger Lakes region, Father Jaeger
will return to his family home in Canandaigua upon retirement, where he
will continue his long-standing chaplaincy at the Canandaigua Veterans
Affairs Medical Center and provide sacramental assistance as a senior
priest; and

WHEREAS, Father James Jaeger's service extended far beyond parish
boundaries; his military chaplaincy, begun during seminary, included
active duty deployments with the Air National Guard in France, Germany,
England, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as over two decades as a
reservist chaplain at Griffiss Air Force Base and the Niagara Falls Air
National Guard Base, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and

WHEREAS, On October 25, 2024, Father James Jaeger delivered the
invocation at the inaugural "Charters of Freedom" event held at Pulteney
Park in Bath, New York-marking the first such event in New York
State-honoring the sacrifices of veterans and the enduring significance
of freedom in civic life; and

WHEREAS, Father James Jaeger has touched countless lives through his
unwavering commitment to faith, country, and community; his
compassionate ministry, humble leadership, and selfless service have
left an indelible mark throughout the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes,
and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his
retirement, and to extend to him heartfelt thanks and best wishes for
health, happiness, and continued blessings in all his future endeavors;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Father James Patrick Jaeger, in recognition of a life
devoted to faith and service.