JAMESTOWN – A member of the Jamestown City Council passed away suddenly this weekend.
Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist confirmed to WNY News Now that Councilwoman Vickye James of Ward III died Saturday night.
Sundquist says he and Council President Tony Dolce were notified this morning. A cause of death wasn’t immediately released.
Mayor Sundquist released the following statement on her passing:
“I share in our collective sadness as we mourn the loss of an icon for Jamestown,” wrote Sundquist. “She was a councilmember who loved her community and fiercely advocated for our residents. Her decades of public service have made an impact on countless individuals that will continue well into the future.”
Council President Tony Dolce says her passing will not only leave a hole in the council, but also the community.
“Having served side by side with her for so many years, she was a rock in our community and fought tirelessly to represent every voice,” Dolce wrote. “Her loss leaves a giant hole in the fabric of our Council; however, her activism and passion will continue to live on. As one council, we all grieve and mourn the loss of our sitting councilmember.”
The Mayor says the city will work with the family to honor Councilmember James and will provide additional details as they become available.
James was first elected to the Council in November 2015, and she announced earlier this month that she was running for another term.
The City Council is scheduled to meet Monday night for its March Voting Session.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Rest in heaven beautiful❣️ You’ll be so missed Miss Vickye! You were the best mentor and role model to so many, including myself throughout high school.