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TO HONOR JAMES E. "JIM" JACO OF CAYCE FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE OLYMPIA COMMUNITY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's citizenry. Having spent his entire life working to enhance the lives of others, James E. "Jim" Jaco of Cayce exemplifies such South Carolinians; and
Whereas, Jim Jaco was born in West Columbia but grew up in the Olympia community. He worked at the South Carolina Tax Commission from which he retired after a long and distinguished career; and
Whereas, behind the scenes, Jim has quietly served his community in many ways. As president of the "We Are Olympia" organization since its inception in 1983, Jim Jaco worked with Richland County to provide flu and pneumonia shots to elderly community members; and
Whereas, he also was a leader in the restoration of the community's Doughboy Monument, located at the intersection of Whaley and Wayne Streets and dedicated to the memory of the men from Olympia who fought in World War I. Further, his work with Vulcan Materials helped stop the dangerous truck traffic on Olympia Avenue; and
Whereas, among his many other contributions to his community, he worked with the school board to rebuild Olympia School after it burned and helped keep Olympia in the school name. He collaborated with Richland County to obtain a matching grant to plant trees in the median of Olympia Avenue and maintained the median for several years; and
Whereas, Jim Jaco also was involved with several projects in the City of Columbia, such as the inception of the Three Rivers Greenway and Olympia and Granby Mills redevelopment projects, as well as the redevelopment of 701 Whaley, and he was a key member in the creation of the annual festival known as Olympia Fest; and
Whereas, to those who need help, Jim provides personal assistance like taking breakfast to shut-ins and supper to residents who otherwise would not have it. He has bathed and shaved community members who are unable to care for themselves, visited nursing homes to cheer residents, paid for dental treatment, and given toys and other Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving turkeys to families; and
Whereas, in addition, this man of faith is a lifelong member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, where he has served in numerous official capacities over the years and is the current treasurer; and
Whereas, in recognition of this servant-leader, on March 12, 2016, Jim's many friends hosted "Jim Jaco Day," a celebration of the man and his faithful service to the Olympia community, which was held on the Olympia School campus; and
Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Jim Jaco who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor James E. "Jim" Jaco of Cayce for a lifetime of dedicated service to his community and wish him much success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Jim Jaco.
This web page was last updated on March 15, 2016 at 1:41 PM