[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE HON. JAMES B. KANE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable 
James B. Kane Jr., distinguished veteran and former chief 
administrative judge for the New York State Supreme Court, Eighth 
Judicial District of Western New York, on the occasion of his 90th 
Birthday.
   Born July 21, 1924 to Helen and James B. Kane Sr., Judge Kane 
enlisted in the Army Air Forces at 18 years of age. Quickly, this young 
man from Navaho Parkway in South Buffalo, New York found himself over 
Europe as a navigator on a B-17 ``Flying Fortress'' bomber. Shot down 
twice over a span of thirty missions, First Lieutenant Kane was one of 
two survivors of a nine man crew that had just bombed a German rail 
yard and survived another attack close to Berlin.
   His calm, cool courage under fire earned him the Distinguished 
Flying Cross, an Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and other 
notable recognitions by the time this he was 20 years old and back home 
in Buffalo. He then enrolled in Canisius College, working as a City of 
Buffalo firefighter and using the G.I. Bill to pay his tuition. 
Georgetown Law School was the next stop for this veteran.
   Following graduation, the practice of law and the art of politics 
would set the path for this outstanding jurist as he rose from Buffalo 
City Court to Erie County Family Court to serving with great 
distinction on the New York State Supreme Court, during which time his 
leadership and steady hand as chief administrative judge for the Eighth 
Judicial District earned praise in all corners of the community. His 
more than capable stewardship earned him many honors including awards 
from Canisius College as well as the Erie County Bar Association.
   While Judge Kane's outstanding and lifelong commitment to the law 
and public service is worthy of recognition, it is his devotion to 
family which earns him our highest praise and greatest appreciation. A 
devoted husband to Marie for more than 60 years, the Judge and Mrs. 
Kane are the proud parents of 10 children and 14 grandchildren. His 
only brother, Donald, passed away earlier this year but their 
unbreakable bond remains a strong and shining example to their families 
and all who saw them together of the true meaning of brotherly love.
   On July 20, the family and friends of this extraordinary man will 
gather at the home of his son, Orchard Park Village Judge Daniel Kane 
and his wife, Dr. Kathleen Kane, to celebrate and congratulate Judge 
James B. Kane Jr. for 90 years of exemplary leadership and dedication 
to his country, community, family and faith.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I am proud to offer my 
best wishes for continued health and happiness to Judge Kane, his wife, 
Marie and his loving, large and very proud family.

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