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2011 SPECIAL SESSION I

11200009D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5006
Offered April 4, 2011
Celebrating the life of James Clifton Kelly, Jr.
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Patrons-- Cox, J.A. and Peace; Senator: McDougle
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Unanimous consent to introduce
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WHEREAS, James Clifton Kelly, Jr., of Ashland, a devoted community volunteer and an early leader in fire services in Hanover County and the Commonwealth, died on March 10, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, James “Buddy” Kelly continued to serve and protect others when he returned to Hanover County after his exemplary military service; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Kelly recognized that the growing population of Hanover County would necessitate a well-organized and supported fire department; he played an instrumental role in the development of fire services in Hanover County, serving as the first paid fire chief; and

WHEREAS, an admired leader in fire services not only in Hanover County but throughout the Commonwealth, Buddy Kelly was appointed by Governor John Dalton to serve as the first director of the Office of Fire Services Training; and

WHEREAS, as director, Buddy Kelly oversaw the development of standards for fire services personnel and a five-year plan for fire education and training of firefighters across the state, helping local and volunteer fire companies train firefighters to provide superior service to residents of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Kelly helped make Hanover County a great place in which to live and work through his affiliation with numerous community service organizations, including the Ashland Lions Club, Hanover Chapter of the AARP, and Richmond Metropolitan Lodge #11, A.F. & A.M.; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Kelly provided valuable guidance and support to the Hanover County Council on Aging, the Hanover County Veterans Memorial Foundation, and the executive committee of the Heritage and History of Hanover County, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, a man of great faith, Buddy Kelly was a member of St. James the Less Episcopal Church, where he was actively involved in the church’s many missions in the community; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Kelly received numerous awards and accolades for his remarkable service to his fellow residents, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Lions International and the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Kelly was especially honored to receive a resolution in 2010 from the Hanover County Board of Supervisors for his lifetime of service to Hanover County; and

WHEREAS, a man of great integrity and honor, Buddy Kelly will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Hilda; children, Cheryl and Greg 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 a dedicated community supporter and early leader in fire services for Hanover County and the Commonwealth, James Clifton Kelly, Jr.; 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 Clifton Kelly, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.