LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James W. Graham, distin-
guished 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 Graham of Roosevelt, New York, died on Monday, January
7, 2013, at the age of 90; and
WHEREAS, James Graham distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, James Graham's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Born in Lake City, South Carolina, James Graham, then at age
19, knew America needed millions of patriots to defend the country's
borders in preparation for World War II; two days before the United
States became involved in 1942, he left the South, where he worked at a
tobacco plant, and enlisted in the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, However, James Graham never realized the historic impact his
service would have as he helped lead in a new wave of black sailors; and
WHEREAS, Because of his high test scores, James Graham was assigned as
a radio operator to the U.S.S. Mason, a destroyer escort and the first
US naval ship with a predominantly black crew; the Mason was the only
segregated naval vessel in World War II in which blacks were something
other than cooks and waiters; and
WHEREAS, After his two-year stint in the military, James Graham
settled in Roosevelt on Long Island with his wife, Barbara; he retired
from television repair work in 1986 and had devoted himself to telling
the story of the Mason; and
WHEREAS, James Graham and the crew of the U.S.S. Mason were officially
recognized in 1995 for their heroism in escorting support ships across
the Atlantic Ocean to England in 1944 through 90-mile-per-hour winds and
40-foot waves; they were invited to the White House, receiving a certif-
icate of appreciation from the World War II Committee and the Congres-
sional Black Caucus; and
WHEREAS, The actions and determination of the U.S.S. Mason's crew
helped to remove racial barriers and push the military toward full inte-
gration, according to the 2004 documentary film, "Proudly We Served: The
Men of the U.S.S. Mason"; the U.S.S. Mason was also the subject of a
book; and
WHEREAS, James Graham is survived by his lovely wife, Barbara; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James Graham 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. Graham, 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. Graham.