Syracuse University’s School of Education and School of Social Work mourn the passing of James L. Stone ’62, G’64, distinguished alumnus of both schools and the sponsor and namesake of the social work program’s annual Onondaga County Legislative Policy Day.
James L. Stone ObituaryStone started his career at Syracuse University in 1958 in the School of Education. After taking a bachelor’s degree in social studies education, he shifted his professional focus from to social work, completing his M.S.W. from the School of Social Work in 1964.
He began his more than 40-year career in public service with the New York State Division for Youth, before becoming Chief of Service in two NYS Office of Mental Health psychiatric centers. After serving as Director of Community Services for Monroe and Livingston counties, he was nominated by Gov. George Pataki to be the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Mental Health in 1995, a position that he held until his retirement from the state in 2003. He then entered the federal Senior Executive Service until his full retirement in 2009.
Stone served as a volunteer for more than 30 years with the School of Social Work Board of Visitors, which became the Falk College Advisory Board when the School and other departments joined to form Falk College. After retiring from this service, he was named an Emeritus Board Member.
The James L. Stone ’62, G’64 Legislative Policy Day stands as a testament to his deep dedication to the School of Social Work community. Championed by Stone through his vital financial and personal support, this annual event bridges classroom learning with real-world advocacy.
Each year at the Onondaga County Legislature, undergraduate and graduate students gather to watch clinical and community leaders shape policy on critical social issues. The event remains a curricular pillar of the social work program, reflecting Stone’s lifelong devotion to educating proactive, policy-minded social workers.
“I first met Jim Stone when I took over Legislative Policy Day from Professor Eric Kingson, and I developed a working relationship with him in planning this event. He was quite supportive, involved, and responsive to my ideas and vision for the event,” says Joseph Smith, Associate Teaching Professor of Social Work and Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development. “Jim was committed to attending the event annually and to ensuring that students would continue to have this opportunity for policy-practice education outside of the classroom. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will not be forgotten.”