LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James T. McFarland, former
New York State Assemblyman and Senator, and devoted member of his commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
public servants of the State of New York whose lifework and civic
endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and
this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Our local government, our State and our country have endured
and been made strong by generations of Americans who felt a sense of
responsibility to their community, to one another and to their families;
and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of James T. McFarland, of Amherst, New York, on
Thursday, January 15, 2015, at the age of 84, and to note the signif-
icance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Born in Buffalo, New York, on March 13, 1930, James T. McFar-
land graduated from Riverside High School in 1947, and received a bach-
elor's degree from Canisius College in 1951; he next earned his law
degree from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1954; and
WHEREAS, After attaining his law degree, James T. McFarland proudly
served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1954 to
1956; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service, James T.
McFarland returned to Buffalo to practice law and began his political
career by serving as a New York State Assemblyman from 1966 to 1972; and
WHEREAS, In 1972, James T. McFarland was elected to the New York State
Senate where he rendered outstanding service to the people of the 59th
District from 1972 to 1978; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed public servant served the residents of New York
State well and always stood up for what he thought was right; he was
renowned for having a way with words which few could equal, as well as
for having a tremendous talent for storytelling; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, James T. McFarland joined the New York State Civil
Service Commission where he worked for many years until his appointment
to the New York Public Service Commission in 1987; and
WHEREAS, James T. McFarland worked diligently to advance economic,
social and energy reforms for the communities of Erie County and New
York State; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from government service, James T. McFarland
concentrated on his private practice in Kenmore, New York, helping with
community legal issues and pro bono work; he enjoyed such hobbies as
golfing with his wife, and boating on the Niagara River; and
WHEREAS, James T. McFarland is survived by his wife of 56 years,
Geraldine; their son, James Jr.; three daughters, Kathryn, Susan, and
Lynne; and his sister, Joan Edwards; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon
its records this tribute to the memory of James T. McFarland, that
future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his
many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he was held;
he will be deeply missed by all he served and befriended; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of James T. McFarland, and to express its deepest condo-
lences to his family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James T. McFarland.