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2011 SESSION

11105534D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 79
Offered February 23, 2011
Celebrating the life of James M. Reeves.
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Patrons-- Howell, A.T., Alexander, Cosgrove, James, Joannou, Jones, Knight, Lewis, Miller, P.J. and Spruill
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WHEREAS, James M. Reeves, a respected musician, educator, and resident of Chesapeake, died on February 16, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of Norfolk, Dr. Reeves graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1937 before receiving his bachelor’s degree from Virginia State College, his master’s degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in 1958, a professional diploma in 1964, and his doctoral degree from the Catholic University of America in 1980; and

WHEREAS, after receiving his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Reeves taught public school music and band in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, until December of 1943, when he was hired by the United States Post Office in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, in January of 1944, Dr. Reeves was selected to enter the music branch of the United States Navy and transferred to the Naval School of Music at Anacostia; he was one of the first African American musicians to attend; and

WHEREAS, in 1954 Dr. Reeves returned to his teaching career as a part-time music instructor at the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College, now Norfolk State University; showing a talent and dedication for his craft, Dr. Reeves rose to the position of Chairman of the Music Department before his retirement in 1984; and

WHEREAS, from 1964 through 1983, Dr. Reeves was the first to integrate the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, the predecessor to the Virginia Symphony, where he held the first chair string bass; he also played bass with many talented jazz musicians throughout the Tidewater Area; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Reeves was an active and contributing member of many musical and educational organizations, including the National Association of Schools of Music, Music Educators National Conference, Phi Mu Alpha Music Sinfonia, a music fraternity, and the National Education Association; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Reeves also lent his talents and energies to the Chesapeake School Board and the Chesapeake Community Services Board, and was a founding member of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Lucille, Dr. Reeves will be remembered by his children, Sandra, James, Jr., and Beverly; his six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and many family members, friends, music students, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of James M. Reeves, respected musician and educator; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James M. Reeves as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect for his memory.