Family, friends and community members gathered to celebrate a life defined by service, generosity and a deep love for Yonkers on April 9, with the renaming of Prospect Street to James Edward Degree Way.
“We are here today with the Degree family to honor one of our legends. All of the work that he did for the entire City of Yonkers is why we are here,” said City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy.
Mayor Mike Spano presented a proclamation declaring April 9
JAMES EDWARD DEGREE WAY DAY.
One of his children remembered that her father’s favorite phrase was “pay attention.”
Alo in attendance were Councilwoman Deana Norman and Majority Leader John Rubbo, who joined with Mr. Degree’s children and grandchildren to celebrate.
The Mayor’s proclamation reads:
WHEREAS: As Mayor of the City of Yonkers, I am proud to join with the family, friends, and community members of JAMES EDWARD DEGREE as we honor their request to re-name and dedicate Prospect Street as James Edward Degree Way, in recognition of a life defined by service, strength, and community impact; and
WHEREAS: JAMES EDWARD DEGREE was born on March 9, 1935, in Shelby, North Carolina, the proud son of the late James Henry and Callie Degree. He later made Yonkers, New York his home, where he met and married the love of his life, the late Diana Lee Degree, and built a legacy rooted in family and community; and WHEREAS: A long-time resident of Yonkers,
JAMES EDWARD DEGREE worked as a professional mover for Alto Brothers for forty-one years, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and integrity until his retirement; and
WHEREAS: Known affectionately by many as the “Mayor of Yonkers,” JAMES EDWARD DEGREE was a beloved figure in the community, always willing to share wisdom, guidance, and a straightforward perspective that left a lasting impression on generations of residents; and
WHEREAS: Throughout his life, JAMES EDWARD DEGREE remained most proud of his family, including his beloved wife Diana; their children, Pamela, James (Sharon), Michelle, Penni, Douglas (Patricia), Valerie, and Leroy (Hazel); as well as his twenty grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his son, Harrison, and siblings, John Henry and Emma Lou; and
WHEREAS: It is fitting that Prospect Street be honorarily renamed JAMES EDWARD DEGREE WAY, ensuring that his legacy, character, and contributions to the Yonkers community will be forever remembered and celebrated by all who pass through it; and
WHEREAS: The City of Yonkers raises its voice in tribute to JAMES EDWARD DEGREE, honoring a life devoted to family, community, and uplifting others, and recognizing the lasting impact he leaves behind.
NOW, THEREFORE I, MIKE A. SPANO, Mayor of the City of Yonkers, do hereby posthumously proclaim this day, the 9th day of April 2026 to be: JAMES EDWARD DEGREE WAY DAY Honorary Street Renaming – Prospect Street in the City of Yonkers, and I call upon all residents to join with me in honoring and remembering this remarkable individual whose legacy continues to inspire our community! Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Yonkers, New York, this 9th day of April 2026.
