Claudia Tenney: “Next, I would like to recognize another really terrific person, a dear friend of my family. I would like to honor the…”

“Next, I would like to recognize another really terrific person, a dear friend of my family. I would like to honor the incredible life of a man named James VanSlyke of New Hartford, New York. Jim VanSlyke passed away on June 6, 2018, 1 day before his 89th birthday. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia, whom we all know as Ginny; his children, Matt, Patrice, Andy, and Mary; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Hailing from Hamilton, New York, Jim stayed in his hometown after high school, attending Colgate University, also in Hamilton. He received a full academic scholarship and graduated in 1952 with a master's degree in science. My mother's hometown also happens to be Hamilton, where she and Jim attended high school together. At Colgate, Jim also met my father, who was a college classmate of his. Immediately following Jim's graduation from Colgate, Jim went on to serve in the United States Army. After honorably serving our Nation, Jim continued his lifelong journey of service and moved back to Mohawk Valley, where he dedicated 66 years of his life in the town of New Hartford. Upon his return, James began his 31-year career in New Hartford School District, serving as a math and science teacher, a coach, a guidance counselor, and a principal for both the junior high and senior high school. I had a the honor of attending New Hartford High School during his tenure as principal. Back to Mr.…”