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2015 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 750
Celebrating the life of James Clement Van Pelt, Sr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 13, 2015
Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2015

 

WHEREAS, James Clement Van Pelt, Sr., a distinguished and decorated veteran and a passionate educator who inspired countless young business leaders in the Commonwealth, died on December 10, 2014; and

WHEREAS, James Van Pelt grew up in Marion County, Kentucky, and graduated from Marion County High School, where he was a standout athlete in several varsity sports; he attended Columbia Military Academy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy; and

WHEREAS, joining many of the other young men of his generation, James Van Pelt served his country in the United States Navy during World War II; he served aboard the USS Purdy and the USS Perkins and earned a Bronze Star with Valor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, James Van Pelt served during the occupation of Japan and during the Korean War; he held several other postings in the Naval Supply Corps, including at the Pentagon and as chief logistics officer for the United States 6th Fleet in Europe; and

WHEREAS, James Van Pelt also taught at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Naval War College before retiring with the rank of captain; in recognition of his exceptional service, his name is inscribed at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, after earning a master’s degree from Stanford University and a doctorate from George Washington University, James Van Pelt worked to inspire young leaders as a business administration professor at Old Dominion University and what is now Christopher Newport University; and

WHEREAS, James Van Pelt earned many awards and accolades in his lifetime, including recognition from the local YMCA for his skill as a swimmer; he had also been named an honorary Kentucky Colonel by his home state; and

WHEREAS, James Van Pelt was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary; he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, James, Jr., William, and Amanda, 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 James Clement Van Pelt, Sr., a proud veteran and a respected 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 Clement Van Pelt, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.