By a proclamation of the Troy City Council, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, was declared “Jimmy C. Lunsford Day” in Troy. Johnny Witherington, president of the Troy City Council, characterized Lunsford as a devoted husband, father and “exceptionally proud grandfather.”

“Mayor Lunsford has served the City of Troy with distinguished and outstanding service from 1982 to 2012 and has exemplified public service throughout his political career,” Witherington said. “He has always been dependable and trustworthy and has focused on understanding and solving community problems.”

Witherington said that, during Lunsford’s tenure, the city cultivated a diversified industrial base that includes the production of helicopters by Sikorsky and smart missiles by Lockheed Martin. That base also includes information technology giant CGI, food manufacturer Golden Boy and homegrown plastics manufacturer KW Plastics.

“Through Mayor Lunsford’s leadership, the City of Troy’s population has increased from 12,945 in 1980 to 18,033 in 2010,” Witherington said. “Mayor Lunsford has been a guiding force within the city and through his leadership and dedication the city’s budget has increased from a little over $10 million in 1982 to more than $60 million in 2012. This was done without increasing taxes while improving the quality of life through the development of a state-of-the-art recreation facility and public library and a municipal complex, nutrition center, senior complex and other city facilities to serve the citizens of Troy.”

The proclamation was presented to Lunsford Thursday night at a dinner in his honor. At that time, Witherington also presented the retiring mayor with a key to the city as a ceremonial gesture of appreciation for his 30 years of dedicated and untiring service to the city of his heart.

“Mayor Lunsford used his entire career to serve the citizens of Troy with an unwavering passion and desire to meet the needs of the citizens of all ages,” Witherington said. “We are honored to have declared this day, Nov. 1, 2012, in his honor. He has surely earned the honor and recognition.”