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2015 SESSION

15101694D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 661
Offered January 15, 2015
Celebrating the life of John Edward McDonald.
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Patrons-- Pogge and Mason; Senator: Norment
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WHEREAS, John Edward McDonald of Williamsburg, who was director of financial and management services for James City County, a member of the Colonial Behavioral Health board of directors, and a devoted husband and father, died on November 29, 2014; and

WHEREAS, John McDonald had worked for James City County government for 37 years and was a respected friend to many local government officials and employees; he is remembered for his ability, integrity, and creativity as he diligently served the people of James City County; and

WHEREAS, a native of Denver, Colorado, John McDonald graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield; he enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for a short period before enlisting in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, after being honorably discharged, John McDonald received an associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College, graduating summa cum laude; he then attended the University of Virginia, graduating with distinction with a bachelor’s degree; and

WHEREAS, while at the University of Virginia, John McDonald, who was a member of the Raven Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa service fraternity, entered the field that would become his profession—he was treasurer of the Class of 1973; and

WHEREAS, after first moving to New York to work for a major accounting firm, John McDonald and his wife, Lois, moved to Williamsburg, where he enrolled at The College of William and Mary, graduating with a master’s degree in business administration; and

WHEREAS, in 1976, John McDonald became director of finance for James City County and later was named director of financial and management services, a position he held at the time of his death; he played a key role in putting together many James City County budgets during a time of tremendous growth; and

WHEREAS, during John McDonald’s tenure, and as James City County’s population more than tripled, the county financial and management services department also kept pace; it was recognized for its financial reporting for 27 consecutive years by the Government Finance Officers Association; and

WHEREAS, John McDonald, who also served the community as a member of the board of directors of Colonial Behavioral Health and was chair for three years, is remembered for his leadership, financial expertise, and focus on what was best for the people of James City County; and

WHEREAS, John McDonald will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Lois; their children, Matthew, Taylor, and Paige, and their families; his mother, Marjorie; and many other family members, friends, and 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 John Edward McDonald of Williamsburg, director of financial and management services for James City County, a member of the Colonial Behavioral Health board of directors, a dedicated public servant, and a devoted husband and father; 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 John Edward McDonald as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.