Introduced By: Representatives Harwood, Martineau, Ginaitt, Slater and Benoit
Date Introduced : June 17, 1999
Referred To: Read and Passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we must accept the passing of our dear friend, Chief of Staff, James J. "Jimmy" Creamer. James Creamer, 59, was born in Providence, a son of the late James J. and Helen B. (Walsh) Creamer. He was the beloved husband of Patricia F. (Montgomery) Creamer, dedicated father of James M. and Patrick R. Creamer, and devoted grandfather of Matthew James and Patrick Michael Creamer. He also leaves one brother and three sisters; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy was a lifelong Providence resident who, as a young man, attended St. Michael's School and Central High School. He than enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 31, 1957. He served as Assistant Instructor in Demolitions and Ammunitions, USMC, in Quantico, Virginia and in the Far East as Ammunition and Demolition Technician. On January 29, 1960 Jim received an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal E-4, United States Marine Corps. He also served with the Providence Fire Department for twenty years before his retiring as Lieutenant in 1979. In 1970 Jimmy was awarded a Commendation for Devotion to Duty and Meritorious Services. Later on, as a working family man, Jimmy later returned to school earning a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Master of Arts from the institution he so much adored - Providence College. After his retirement from the fire department, Jim worked as an aide to then Attorney General, Dennis Roberts. He also served the City of Providence as Chief of Staff to Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino and as Commissioner of Public Safety. In 1980 Jimmy was appointed Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. During his nineteen year tenure he served Speakers Matthew J. Smith, Joseph DeAngelis and currently, John B. Harwood; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy Creamer's incredible political "sixth sense" made him a much sought after presence as evidenced in his diligent work as chairman of the 8th Ward Democratic Committee, as a well-respected member of the Democratic State Committee, and as Vice Chairman of the Providence City Committee for several years. Jimmy was called upon by many democratic politicians to analyze their particular campaigns for political office, whether it be on a local, statewide, or national level. The use of his solid political advice turned many elections to the favor of the candidate who had sought his advice; and
WHEREAS, Jimmy had two families...his personal family and his political family. Although it was hard to separate the two, his loyalty was never doubted by any member of either family. As Chief of Staff, Jimmy's job was a tough one, but one that he did with compassion, humanity and a good heart. He loved the State House, he loved politics, he loved surviving the challenging political storms - these were his passions; and
WHEREAS, His interest and concern for others did not end with politics. He was actively involved in community affairs as a member of the Providence Fire Department Relief Association and as a member of the board of directors for the Providence Fire Department Historical Society. He was a substitute teacher in the Providence school system, a member of the board of directors for the Edgewood Youth Hockey Association and a coach for the Elmwood Little League. Jimmy was a caring and loving coach on the ball field and in the ice rink. Anyone could plainly see that his heart belonged to children. The look of joy on his face was evident every time he taught a child to swing a bat or stand up on skates...Jimmy loved children; now therefor be it
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the Creamer family on the passing of James J. Creamer and that he will forever be remembered and sorely missed by the entire membership and staff for his commitment and concern for others. Farewell, good friend; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. James J. Creamer.
