Indeed, this is a personal achievement, and it doesn't get taken away from you. I think a while back, Microsoft said an MCSE was void when a new MSCE cert came out, and everyone should get re-certified to boast the title, but even that
philosophy has changed.
So, get your SCJA, and get it soon. I have an old SCJP, and indeed, it's Java 1.1 or something. It's an old, outdated SCJP, but I love going into job interviews and boasting that I'm not only SCJA certified, but also SCJP since long long ago, and I've watched the language evolve.
So, go get it!
-Cameron McKenzie