LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and accomplishments of James
D. Spedding, 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 lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, James D. Spedding, of Lockport, New York, died on January 22,
2016, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, James D. Spedding proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Air Force from 1948-1969, stationed in Texas, Missis-
sippi, Korea, New York and California; he attained the esteemed rank of
Chief Master Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, James D. Spedding's commitment to his community was a trade-
mark of his entire life; after retiring from General Motors in 1989, he
served as the Retiree Coordinator at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base,
Instructor/Counselor for the AARP Income Tax Program, Counselor for the
NYS Office for Aging, Board of Trustee for the Dale Association, and
Medical Secretary at the Head & Neck Center in Sisters Hospital; and
WHEREAS, James D. Spedding's greatest commitment was to his family; he
is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Spedding; a daughter, Linda
(Edward) Horton; two sons, James (Carol) Spedding and Robert Spedding;
three grandchildren, Michelle (Albert) Ferrera, Jennifer (Raymond)
Walter and Eric Spedding; five great-grandchildren, Albert, Michael and
Manuel Ferrera, and Raymond and Jack Walter; and one sister, Mary Alice
DeFilippo; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins; and
WHEREAS, A man with such devotion to country, service and family,
James D. Spedding leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he loved,
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of James D. Spedding, 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 D. Spedding.