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2012 SESSION

12104171D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 320
Offered February 3, 2012
Celebrating the life of the Honorable James Robert Dobyns.
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Patrons-- Rush and Yost
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WHEREAS, the Honorable James Robert Dobyns, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, died on January 1, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a native of Tennessee, James “Bob” Dobyns earned a degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech and, as the nation became embroiled in World War II, joined the war effort as a member of the United States Army, continuing his military service after the war as a member of the Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, a successful building contractor, Bob Dobyns oversaw the construction of numerous industrial, educational, and commercial buildings throughout the New River Valley and took pride in providing superior construction and outstanding customer service; and

WHEREAS, Bob Dobyns took an active role in community affairs and entered public office as a member of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors; he worked alongside fellow supervisors and county and area officials to ensure the efficient and effective operation of local government; and

WHEREAS, a trusted leader, Bob Dobyns was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1982 and faithfully served his constituents from the City of Radford and parts of the Counties of Montgomery and Pulaski for seven years; and

WHEREAS, as the owner and operator of a beef cattle farm, Bob Dobyns provided wise insight as a member of the Agriculture Committee and also ably served on the Education Committee, Finance Committee, Mining and Mineral Resources Committee, and Roads and Internal Navigation Committee; and

WHEREAS, known for his amiable manner, Bob Dobyns worked with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle as he pursued legislative initiatives to benefit all residents of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Bob Dobyns served on numerous boards and commissions and won several awards for his distinguished community service; and

WHEREAS, Bob Dobyns took a special interest in educational affairs in his community; he and his wife, Cornelia, provided scholarships for 100 students at New River Community College in the fall of 2011; and

WHEREAS, a man of faith, Bob Dobyns was an active member of the New Dublin Presbyterian Church, serving in various capacities over the years and traveling with his wife as a missionary to Zaire, where he helped construct a hospital; and

WHEREAS, a Virginia gentleman, Bob Dobyns served his family, community, and the Commonwealth and nation with great dedication and will be greatly missed by his loving family, many friends, and former colleagues; 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 public servant, the Honorable James Robert Dobyns; 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 the Honorable James Robert Dobyns as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.