25 LC 112 2719 Senate Resolution 35 By: Senators Jones II of the 22nd, Orrock of the 36th, Parent of the 44th, Esteves of the 35th, Jackson of the 41st and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of James Leroy Kendrick Jr.; and for other purposes. 1 WHEREAS, James Leroy Kendrick Jr. was born on November 13, 1942, in Jewell, Georgia,2 to James Leroy Kendrick Sr. and Velma Ingram Kendrick Lee, embodying the values of hard3 work, integrity, and community service instilled during his upbringing; and4 WHEREAS, his natural leadership, evident even in his early years on the family farm,5 became a defining characteristic of his life, guiding him in his many roles as a devoted6 husband, father, businessman, and community leader; and7 WHEREAS, James Kendrick's 58 year-long marriage to his beloved wife, Mildred Nipper8 Kendrick, formed the bedrock of his life, providing him with unwavering support and9 partnership in both personal and professional endeavors, reflecting a love story that inspired10 all who knew them; and11 WHEREAS, his faith in God was the cornerstone of his life, first nurtured at Trinity CME12 Church in Jewell, Georgia, and later exemplified through over 50 years of service and13 leadership at Williams Memorial CME Church in Augusta; and14 S. R. 35 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2719 WHEREAS, James Kendrick arrived in Augusta in 1963 with a heart committed to uplifting 15 others; offering mentorship, inspiration, and guidance to countless individuals in his16 community; and nurturing future leaders as well as empowering them to achieve their17 dreams; and18 WHEREAS, as President of Augusta Blueprint & Microfilm Inc. and founder of Creative19 Colors Inc., James Kendrick built businesses that were not only successful enterprises but20 also vehicles for community empowerment, earning him respect and admiration as "Mr. K"21 among employees and peers; and22 WHEREAS, his entrepreneurial achievements included national recognition when Augusta23 Blueprint & Microfilm Inc. was named "Minority Retail Business of the Year" in 1984 and24 the White House and Creative Colors Inc. became a pioneering vendor for the Georgia25 Lottery; and26 WHEREAS, James Kendrick's commitment to community service was unparalleled, as27 evidenced by his leadership roles on numerous boards and organizations, including Chair of28 the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the CSRA Business League, and29 member of the Governor's Task Force on Welfare Reform; and30 WHEREAS, his advocacy for families, small businesses, and communities extended through31 his service with the Richmond County Department of Family and Children Services, Augusta32 Jaycees, and other civic organizations where his vision and compassion transformed lives;33 and34 S. R. 35 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2719 WHEREAS, James Kendrick's extraordinary legacy of leadership, service, and mentorship 35 was not confined to his professional achievements but lived on in the countless lives he36 touched and the seeds of hope and opportunity he planted; and37 WHEREAS, he leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including his wife, Mildred38 Nipper Kendrick; his children, Chandra Kendrick, Audrey Kendrick, Steven B. Kendrick39 (Pamela), and Kelli L. Kendrick; his sister, Stella L. Kendrick; and his granddaughters,40 Kiwah Kendrick, Alexandria Kendrick, and Leigha Kendrick, all of whom carry forward his41 spirit of love and service; and42 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia recognizes that James Leroy Kendrick Jr. was a shining43 example of faith, leadership, and community dedication whose remarkable life and enduring44 legacy serve as an inspiration to all.45 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body46 honor and celebrate the life of James Leroy Kendrick Jr., commend his lifelong commitment47 to faith, family, and community, and express their deepest condolences to his family and48 friends.49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed50 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of51 James Leroy Kendrick Jr.52 S. R. 35 - 3 -