Memorials, Public Service - Greg O'Connor, John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

Honors Greg O’Connor as the 2025 Community Volunteer recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy for decades of senior-focused service in Knoxville.

Signed by Governor.

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Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 425 (SJR 425)

Overview

SJR 425 is a memorial joint resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly honoring Greg O’Connor of Knoxville as the 2025 Community Volunteer recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy. The measure, classified as a joint resolution, has been signed by the Governor and is now law.

Purpose and Intent

Recognize and salute Greg O’Connor for his extensive volunteer work and leadership in Knoxville, particularly in service to seniors.

Highlight the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy, created to honor individuals who relentlessly work to improve seniors’ lives in Knoxville and who are nominated for their tireless advocacy on behalf of seniors.

Key Provisions

Officially proclaims Greg O’Connor as the 2025 Community Volunteer recipient of the John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy.

Praises O’Connor’s decades-long service, including his professional career as a lawyer (51 years) and his community leadership roles.

Describes O’Connor’s specific contributions, such as:

Twenty-five years of involvement with the John T. O’Connor Senior Center, including multiple terms as board chair and leadership in organizing key fundraisers (the O’Connor Open golf tournament and the Pancake Breakfast).
Hands-on leadership in Immaculate Conception Church’s Fish Program.
Volunteer work with Family Promise and Justice Knox, addressing homelessness and racial injustice.

Provides for the preparation and presentation of an appropriate copy of the resolution, with standard final language about publication of the resolution.

Background and Context

The John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy honors individuals who have made meaningful contributions to seniors’ well-being in Knoxville, reflecting the legacy of the award’s namesake.

Affected Parties

Primary: Greg O’Connor, Knoxville community and the organizations he has supported (John T. O’Connor Senior Center, Immaculate Conception Church Fish Program, Family Promise, Justice Knox, among others).

Broadly: The Knoxville community and stakeholders in senior services and advocacy who recognize and celebrate volunteers.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: April 9, 2025

Passed First Consideration: April 10, 2025

Passed Second Consideration: April 14, 2025

Engrossed/Transmission to House: April 17, 2025

Concurred by Senate: April 21, 2025 (Ayes 88, Nays 0, PNV 4)

House actions: Concurred and transmitted; signed by House Speaker; enrolled

Transmitted to Governor: April 25, 2025

Signed by Governor: May 1, 2025

Impact and Significance

The resolution is symbolic and ceremonial, recognizing a distinguished community volunteer.

No regulatory or fiscal changes accompany the measure; its effect is to publicly honor an individual and underscore the value of senior advocacy in Knoxville.