Assembly Resolution No. 58

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

CONGRATULATING Burton Jones upon the occasion of
celebrating his 100th Birthday on February 1, 2021

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Burton Jones upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on
February 1, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones was one of nine children born to May (Briggs)
and Arthur Jones in Whitesboro, New York, where he worked in his
father's shop, A.A. Jones Garage on Clinton Street; and

WHEREAS, After being drafted into the United States Army Air Corps,
Burton Jones proudly served his country as a P-51 crew chief with the
457th Fighter Squadron on Iwo Jima during World War II providing
protection to B-29 bombers executing missions against the Japan
mainland; during this time, Sergeant Jones took great care to ensure the
aircraft were well maintained for their long missions; and

WHEREAS, Upon being honorably discharged from the military with the
rank of Staff Sergeant in early December of 1945, Burton Jones worked
for 27 years at the Rome Air Depot, now known as Griffiss Air Base, in
Rome, New York, first as a heavy equipment mechanic and later, as a
Management Analyst setting time and safety standards for hundreds of
specific mechanical jobs; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones met the love of his life while working in
Rome, and married Margaret "Peg" Jones on January 24, 1948, at the
historic stone church Capel Cerrig, also called the Stone Meeting House,
in Remsen, New York; after more than 50 years of marriage, she passed
away in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Burton and Peg Jones settled near her family farm homestead
on Jones Road in Remsen, and together, they had one son, Hugh, and two
daughters, Priscilla and Wendy; a devoted family man, he loved to spend
time with his children, eight grandchildren and great-grandson; and

WHEREAS, A hard worker with an exceptional mechanical mind, Burton
Jones could build, fix or repair anything, and constructed his home by
hand; he thoroughly enjoyed taking care of his house, and spent a great
deal of time toiling in his well-kept gardens filled with beautiful
flowers; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community and fellow veterans, Burton Jones
is a member of both the Remsen United Methodist Church and VFW, a 32nd

degree Mason and served for many years on the Board of Assessment Review
for the Town of Remsen; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible
joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the
stamina and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Burton Jones has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and
awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Burton Jones upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Burton Jones.