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2012 SESSION
WHEREAS, William Mathias Jones, a distinguished World War II veteran who played a pivotal role in the design of miles of the Virginia interstate highway system, died on December 18, 2011; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, William Jones demonstrated the extraordinary courage and resolve that marked his generation as he joined the United States Army in support of the nation’s efforts in World War II; and
WHEREAS, a member of the 2nd Armored Division as a ground and air forward observer and tank commander, William Jones served in five European campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy; and
WHEREAS, a recipient of the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster for bravery, William Jones earned a Purple Heart for wounds received while directing artillery fire at the Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, after his meritorious military service, William Jones returned to civilian life, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Purdue University and embarking on a career in engineering that eventually brought him to Richmond in 1955 as the managing partner for Blackburn, Brown and Blauvelt, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, in 1962 William Jones founded American Engineers and oversaw its expansion to locations along the East Coast and its design of miles of the Virginia interstate highway system, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the Charlotte Outer Loop; and
WHEREAS, a trusted professional, William Jones was appointed to the National Defense Executive Reserve of the Federal Highway Administration as the traffic coordinator in the event of a national emergency; and
WHEREAS, William Jones was honored for his remarkable accomplishments in his profession with an Outstanding Civil Engineer Award from the Virginia section of the American Society of Civil Engineers; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, William Jones took an active role in community affairs, supporting his fellow veterans as a member of American Legion Post 84 and serving as a charter member of the Bull and Bear Club and member of the West End Rotary Club, Navy League of Richmond, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, a man of great integrity, William Jones leaves behind a sterling legacy of service to the community, the Commonwealth, and the nation; and
WHEREAS, a devoted family man, William Jones will be greatly missed by his wife, Shirley; sons, Bruce and Barry, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an admired citizen of the Commonwealth, William Mathias Jones; 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 William Mathias Jones as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.