Senate Resolution 15

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI'S 2002 OUTSTANDING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, JAMES RICHARD MILAM, AND EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES OF THE SENATE ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY.

WHEREAS, a man who has freely given a lifetime of service to the Crossroads area was recognized for his efforts by the Junior Auxiliary of Corinth, Mississippi, at the 40th Annual Charity Ball as: James Richard Milam was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scout law states that "a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." All of these words have been used to describe the Outstanding Citizen of 2002; and

WHEREAS, Milam, a sixty-year Corinth resident, was born in Saltillo in 1912 to William Eli and Lillie Davis Milam. His grandfather, Thomas Porter of Alabama, fought in the Civil War Battle of Brice's Crossroads, where he was wounded on June 10, 1864. In 1936, he married Madge Beard; the couple had five children, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 1977, Mrs. Milam passed away and in 1981, Milam married Florence Nash and his extended family includes Florence's three children and four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, as a young man, Milam taught school and served as principal in Saltillo. He became involved in Scouting in 1926 when he and a group of high school friends started the first Scout Troop in Saltillo. This later lead to a thirty-three-year full-time job with Boy Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, there is simply no way to measure the lasting contribution that Mr. Milam has made to society by positively impacting the lives of hundreds, possibly even thousands, of young men in Northeast Mississippi through a lifetime of service to Scouting. In addition to Scouting, Mr. Milam has served Corinth through his involvement in the Rotary Club for many years. Mr. Milam has been an active member in the Rotary Club since January 1, 1950. For 52 years he has lived a life that epitomizes the Rotary motto "Service Above Self." At the age of 90, he continues to attend Rotary meetings faithfully and to participate in Rotary service projects; and

WHEREAS, at 90, Milam still faithfully serves First Presbyterian Church as well. He attends services regularly and participates in nearly every activity and special service of the church. He has served as a Deacon and Elder, and for the past few years as an Elder Emeritus. He also continues to provide leadership for many different ministries within the church, including prayer ministries and ministries for older adults; and

WHEREAS, in addition to working with civic and church groups, Milam can often be seen around Corinth visiting residents of area nursing homes to offer them a smile, hug or encouraging word. He also visits patients at Magnolia Regional Health Center on a weekly basis. Milam reaches out to help others regardless of their background or age; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the civic generosity and life-long dedication to Scouting brought by James Milam, who has been an inspiration to the citizens of his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Corinth, Mississippi's 2002 Outstanding Citizen of the Year, James Richard Milam, and extend to him the best wishes of the Senate on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to James Milam and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.