LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James Nydahl, Buffalo Bills
Super-fan, distinguished 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 character, lifework, and
devotion have served to inspire others across the communities of the
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, James "Jimmy" Nydahl, a lifelong resident of Tonawanda, New
York, died on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the age of 64; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 24, 1951, James Nydahl graduated from Kenmore
West High School in 1969; he earned his Bachelor's degree in Political
Science from SUNY Fredonia in 1973; and
WHEREAS, After completing his studies, James Nydahl worked in sales
for several companies before becoming a Welfare Examiner for the Erie
County Social Services Department, a position he held from the early
1980s until his retirement in 1994; and
WHEREAS, A devoted Buffalo Bills football team fan since the age of 9,
James Nydahl attended his first regular-season Bills Game at the "Old
Rockpile", War Memorial Stadium, on September 18, 1960; at the time, he
sat in the back of the end zone with his cowbell-wielding mother, Geral-
dine; and
WHEREAS, A season ticket holder since 1963, James Nydahl could often
be found sitting with his wife, Elaine, their son, Andrew, and friend,
Sammy Violante, at Ralph Wilson Stadium together in Section 111, and
later Section 134; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past five decades, James Nydahl continuously
displayed tremendous passion, loyalty and dedication to his favorite
team by attending more than 425 home games, four Super Bowls and numer-
ous road games; and
WHEREAS, During the Buffalo Bills' first 54 seasons, through snow-
storms and subzero temperatures, surgeries, and the birth of his chil-
dren, James Nydahl missed only two Bills home games; he also never left
a game until it reached completion; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive team loyalty and enthusiasm
which James Nydahl has displayed throughout his life as a Buffalo Bills
football team fan; and
WHEREAS, James W. Nydahl is survived by his wife, Elaine M. Sinicki;
their two children, Hanna and Andrew; his mother, Geraldine; two
sisters, Deborah and Cynthia; two brothers, Jack and Martin; and four
grandchildren, Rachaud (Taylor), Shae (Oscar), Blair, and Brett; as well
as members of his loving extended family, Robert and David Aikens; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James W. Nydahl 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. Nydahl, Buffalo Bills Super-fan, distin-
guished 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. Nydahl.