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1999 SESSION

996037127
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 769
Offered January 21, 1999
On the death of E. Ralph James.
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Patrons-- Behm, Abbitt, Albo, Almand, Armstrong, Baker, Barlow, Baskerville, Bennett, Black, Blevins, Bloxom, Brink, Bryant, Byron, Callahan, Cantor, Christian, Clement, Councill, Cox, Cranwell, Crittenden, Croshaw, Darner, Davies, Davis, Day, DeBoer, Deeds, Devolites, Diamonstein, Dickinson, Dillard, Drake, Dudley, Grayson, Griffith, Guest, Hall, Hamilton, Hargrove, Harris, Howell, Hull, Ingram, Jackson, Joannou, Johnson, Jones, D.C., Jones, J.C., Jones, S.C., Katzen, Keating, Kilgore, Landes, Marshall, May, McClure, McDonnell, McEachin, McQuigg, Melvin, Moran, Morgan, Moss, Murphy, Nixon, O'Brien, Orrock, Parrish, Phillips, Plum, Puller, Purkey, Putney, Reid, Rhodes, Robinson, Rollison, Ruff, Rust, Scott, Sherwood, Shuler, Spruill, Stump, Tata, Tate, Thomas, Van Landingham, Van Yahres, Wagner, Wardrup, Ware, Watts, Weatherholtz, Wilkins, Williams and Woodrum
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WHEREAS, E. Ralph James, a veteran of World War I, a prominent lawyer in Hampton for more than 65 years, and a former member of the House of Delegates, died on September 16, 1998; and

WHEREAS, a native of the Surry County community of Dendron, Ralph James graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1916 and a year later enlisted in a Virginia National Guard that was called to active duty in the U.S. Army Coast Artillery in World War I; and

WHEREAS, arriving in Richmond in 1921, Ralph James taught mathematics and coached baseball at John Marshall High School during the day and attended the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond at night; and

WHEREAS, admitted to the bar in 1925, Ralph James returned to Hampton Roads, where he founded the law firm of James and Richardson, which later became James, Richardson, James, Sawyer and Quinn; and

WHEREAS, a leader in the Virginia State Bar, including service as its president in 1956-1957, Ralph James was an active member of many civic organizations, including the Kiwanis, the Masons, and the American Legion, which he served as Virginia Department Commander in 1939-1940; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, Ralph James served in the Office of Price Administration and as a legal advisor to the draft; and

WHEREAS, Ralph James represented the City of Hampton in the House of Delegates from 1952 to 1965 and is remembered for his central role in annexation debates involving Hampton and Newport News and Elizabeth City and Warwick Counties; and

WHEREAS, Ralph James was especially proud of his role in the legislative effort that resulted in the creation of the Virginia Community College system; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to his alma mater, Ralph James served on the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary and was awarded the Alumni Medallion for distinguished service; and

WHEREAS, a man of gentle wit, rich memories, and impeccable character, E. Ralph James was a rare treasure—a man who lived for more than 100 years, witnessed the incredible events of the 20th century, and contributed mightily to the prosperous Commonwealth that Virginians enjoy today; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an extraordinary Virginian, E. Ralph James; 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 E. Ralph James as an expression of the enormous respect in which his memory is held by the members of the General Assembly.