J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                     1623

No. 17
(Senate Joint Resolution 29)

Senate Joint Resolution expressing the deepest regrets of the General
Assembly over the passing of James W. Curran, Sr., Commissioner
of Correction for the State of Maryland.

The members of the General Assembly of Maryland learned with
deep sorrow and profound regret of the passing of James W. Curran,
Sr., Commissioner of Correction, which occurred shortly after the
adjournment of the General Assembly in 1964.

It is recalled that Jim Curran joined the Department of Correction
in 1941 to assist in the growth of the State Use Industry. That he,
in this capacity, did promote prison products and greatly expanded
the work opportunities for inmates as an aid to rehabilitation.

Recognition of his ability as a Prison Administrative official there-
after shortly followed and succeeding promotions within the Depart-
ment resulted in his being chosen in 1958 by then Governor Theodore
R. McKeldin to head the Department in the capacity of Superintendent
of Correction. When the Department was re-organized in 1963, he,
at that time, was named by Governor J. Millard Tawes to be the
first Commissioner of Correction for Maryland and was serving
faithfully in that post when he passed away.

That, during his long State career, he became nationally known,
admired and respected for his outstanding contributions in the field
of Prison Administration. In recognition of his standing in his
chosen field, he was, in 1952, elected President of the American
Correctional Association and thereafter remained a lifetime director
of said association. In further recognition, he was also elected
President of the Southern States Prisons Association in 1957.

Jim Curran was devoted to his chosen profession and to his
responsibility of attempting at all times to rehabilitate inmates of
the Maryland Correctional System. To that end, he sought to bring
about progressive thinking in all institutions and encouraged the
philosophy of returning an inmate to society—a better man.

We knew him as a leader in his church and community in addition
to being a leading prison administrator and can now reflect that the
penal system in Maryland is better as a result of the contributions
made by James W. Curran, Sr.; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the General
Assembly with these less than adequate expressions of sorrow and
regret record its high appreciation for the life, achievements and
abilities of James W. Curran, Sr.

Approved May 4, 1965.