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2013 SESSION

13101158D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 774
Offered January 25, 2013
Commending the Honorable Humes J. Franklin, Jr.
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Patrons-- Landes, Bell, Richard P., Cline, and Wilt; Senator: Hanger
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WHEREAS, the Honorable Humes J. Franklin, Jr., the chief judge of the 25th Judicial District Circuit Court, retired in 2012 after 15 years of distinguished service to the residents of Staunton and Waynesboro; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Waynesboro High School, where he played on the state championship basketball team, Humes Franklin earned a bachelor’s degree from Wittenburg University and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Humes Franklin returned to Waynesboro and embarked on a successful career in private practice with his father and others that would span 30 years; and

WHEREAS, a skilled attorney, Humes Franklin faithfully represented his clients and gained a formidable knowledge of the law during his years in private practice; he also served as a substitute judge for the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and the General District Courts for the 25th Judicial District; and

WHEREAS, in 1997 Humes Franklin was appointed to be a judge in the 25th Judicial District Circuit Court, which stretches across the western part of the state from Augusta County to Craig County; and

WHEREAS, for 15 years, Judge Franklin presided with great integrity, fairness, and commitment to justice over a variety of cases and earned the respect of his colleagues and those who worked with him in the courts system; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and innovative leader, Judge Franklin played a pivotal role in the formation of the Staunton Drug Court, which began in 2002 and expanded to include Waynesboro in 2010, in order to reduce recidivism and provide assistance to those battling substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, committed to the well-being of the local community, Judge Franklin also served as a Big Brother, board member of Lutheran Family Services and Preston L. Yancey Volunteer Fire Department, official starter for track and field events at Wilson Memorial High School, and active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church; and

WHEREAS, Judge Franklin, who has been supported in all of his endeavors by his wife, Barbara, and their children, Humes III and Courtney, and their families, looks forward to continuing to serve the Commonwealth as a substitute judge in retirement while also spending time with family and pursuing his interests; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Honorable Humes J. Franklin, Jr., for his faithful service to the 25th Judicial District Circuit Court 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 the Honorable Humes J. Franklin, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his commitment to justice and public service.