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2011 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 973
Commending John Blair Gilmer.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2011
Agreed to by the Senate, February 25, 2011

 

WHEREAS, John Blair Gilmer has provided distinguished service to the residents of Louisa County, the Commonwealth, and the nation as a World War II veteran, respected attorney, and former Commonwealth’s Attorney and Commissioner of Accounts for Louisa County; and

WHEREAS, born in India where his father worked as a chemical engineer, John Gilmer moved with his family to Louisa County in 1926; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Louisa County High School, John Gilmer attended Clemson University, where he studied architecture and joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve; after completing his degree, he joined countless other young men of his generation in serving in the United States war effort; and

WHEREAS, John Gilmer valiantly served his country in the Pacific Theatre, including participation in the Guam and Iwo Jima campaigns; he was called upon again to serve his country in 1951, and retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1965 with the rank of major; and

WHEREAS, following his proud service during World War II, John Gilmer relocated to Richmond to practice architecture and there he married his beloved wife, Ruth, in 1947; and

WHEREAS, in 1962 John Gilmer enrolled at the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond; three years later, he graduated and began his exemplary legal career at the law firm of Brown, Nunnally, and Gilmer; and

WHEREAS, in 1970 John Gilmer returned to Louisa County and opened a part-time law office; three years later he moved back to his boyhood home and expanded his law practice to full time; and

WHEREAS, a respected and hardworking attorney, John Gilmer served as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Louisa County from 1973 until 1975; he was appointed Commissioner of Accounts for Louisa County in 1975, a position he held with great faithfulness until his retirement in 2008; and

WHEREAS, a fixture in the local legal community, John Gilmer practiced law in Louisa County for four decades, where he was respected for his insight and knowledge of the law; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated student of history, John Gilmer was the founding member and first National Commander of the North-South Skirmish Association, founding member of the Louisa County Historical Society, and founder of the Louisa County Color Guard for the Bicentennial in 1976; and

WHEREAS, John Gilmer participated in Revolutionary War reenactments with the First Virginia Regiment and was a distinguished and life member of The Meriwether Society; and

WHEREAS, John Gilmer served others in the community as a member of the Ruritan Club and through his membership at Ginter Park Baptist Church in Richmond and Louisa Baptist Church of Louisa; and

WHEREAS, John Gilmer has embodied the ideals of integrity, honor, and intelligence and after decades of exemplary service to the Commonwealth and nation looks forward to enjoying the company of his four children, John, Patsy, Susan, Charles, and their families, including six grandchildren; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend John Blair Gilmer on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Blair Gilmer as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation and admiration for his distinguished service to Louisa County, the Commonwealth, and the nation.