TO CONGRATULATE DR. JAMES "JIM" ST. JOHN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO HIS CONGREGATIONS AND THE SENATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS TO COME.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate will miss the keen and thoughtful service that Dr. James "Jim" St. John, their friend and colleague, has rendered to the body; and

Whereas, Jim, a native of Ohio, was born March 19, 1939 to the late Ivan S. and Kathryn (McCreary) St. John; and

Whereas, Jim graduated from Aiken High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wofford College and a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. After a college teaching career, Jim earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary; and

Whereas, Jim served churches in Alexander City, Alabama and Atlanta, prior to ministering in Columbia; and

Whereas, called to the City of Columbia, Jim served Forest Lake Presbyterian Church as Senior Pastor for fifteen years and Eastminster Presbyterian Church as Interim Senior Pastor for several months. He has now been with Eastminster as Parish Associate Pastor for six years; and

Whereas, as part of his work with Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Jim supports the adult education ministry, visits hospitals weekly, and helps with worship leadership; and

Whereas, the Reverend St. John guided the South Carolina Senate as Chaplain for nine years, and the Senate is deeply indebted to him for the love and respect he showed this great institution in his pastoral care, as he strengthened and encouraged the individual members and staff;

Whereas, the Senate is thankful for the compassion the Reverend St. John demonstrated as it mourned the losses of Senators Clementa Pinckney and William H. "Billy" O'Dell and others dear to the members and staff;

Whereas, Jim and his wife, Ann, live in Spring Valley. Their daughter, Melissa, and her family live on Nantucket; and

Whereas, in his spare time, Jim plays the saxophone and sings both in the Eastminster Presbyterian Church choir and with Palmetto Master Singers; and

Whereas, the Senate has come to rely on and will deeply miss the great joy of the Reverend St. John, which he always displayed with a ready smile and cheerful spirit. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Dr. James "Jim" St. John upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his many years of outstanding service to his congregations and the Senate of South Carolina, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years to come.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. James St. John.