K 580: Congratulating Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his retirement after nearly four decades of devoted service to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and communities across New York State

 Assembly Resolution No. 580 BY: M. of A. Palmesano CONGRATULATING Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his retirement after nearly four decades of devoted service to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and communities across New York State and beyond WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those religious leaders who have faithfully served the spiritual and pastoral needs of their communities, and whose commitment and dedication have had a profound and lasting impact; and WHEREAS, WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his retirement from active ministry, effective June 24, 2025, after nearly 40 years of devoted and distinguished service as a parish priest, military chaplain, and hospital chaplain; and WHEREAS, James Patrick Jaeger was born on April 11, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, to James E. Jaeger and Mary Jane Rhoades; he was baptized on May 5, 1957, at Saint Patrick's Church in Dubuque, and confirmed on May 8, 1972, at Saint Mary's Church in Canandaigua, New York, where he has remained deeply connected throughout his life; and WHEREAS, A dedicated scholar and servant of faith, James Jaeger completed preparatory studies at the Community College of the Finger Lakes (1976-1978) and Saint John Fisher College (1978-1980), before pursuing theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey (1981-1985); and WHEREAS, James Jaeger's progression through sacred orders included receiving Tonsure (September 11, 1981), Minor Orders (March 14, 1982), Sub-Deaconship (November 14, 1982), and Deaconship (June 1, 1985), culminating in his ordination to the priesthood on May 17, 1986, by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Greece, New York; and WHEREAS, Over the course of his vocation, Father James Jaeger faithfully served in numerous parishes across the Diocese of Rochester, including assignments as Priest Intern at Holy Name of Jesus and St. Ann Roman Catholic Church, Hornell; Parochial Vicar at St. Ann, Hornell and St. Margaret Mary, Irondequoit; and as Pastor at St. Ann, Hornell; the Roman Catholic Faith Communities of the Canisteo Valley; St. Anne, Palmyra and St. Gregory, Marion; and St. John Vianney, Bath and Hammondsport; and WHEREAS, In 2008, Father James Jaeger began a 17-year ministry at St. John Vianney Parish in Steuben County, first as sacramental minister and, beginning in 2019, as pastor, where he provided exceptional pastoral leadership and spiritual guidance to the faithful; and WHEREAS, A devoted son of the Finger Lakes region, Father Jaeger will return to his family home in Canandaigua upon retirement, where he will continue his long-standing chaplaincy at the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center and provide sacramental assistance as a senior priest; and WHEREAS, Father James Jaeger's service extended far beyond parish boundaries; his military chaplaincy, begun during seminary, included active duty deployments with the Air National Guard in France, Germany, England, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as over two decades as a reservist chaplain at Griffiss Air Force Base and the Niagara Falls Air National Guard Base, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and WHEREAS, On October 25, 2024, Father James Jaeger delivered the invocation at the inaugural "Charters of Freedom" event held at Pulteney Park in Bath, New York-marking the first such event in New York State-honoring the sacrifices of veterans and the enduring significance of freedom in civic life; and WHEREAS, Father James Jaeger has touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to faith, country, and community; his compassionate ministry, humble leadership, and selfless service have left an indelible mark throughout the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes, and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Father James Patrick Jaeger upon the occasion of his retirement, and to extend to him heartfelt thanks and best wishes for health, happiness, and continued blessings in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Father James Patrick Jaeger, in recognition of a life devoted to faith and service.