SLS 23RS-1773 ORIGINAL
2023 Regular Session
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 173
BY SENATOR WHITE
CONDOLENCES. Express condolences upon the death of James "Jim" Edwin Champagne.
1 A RESOLUTION
2 To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
3 death of James "Jim" Edwin Champagne.
4 WHEREAS, it is with great sadness that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
5 has learned of the passing of James "Jim" Edwin Champagne; and
6 WHEREAS, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the age of 79, Denham
7 Springs resident James "Jim" Edwin Champagne passed away; and
8 WHEREAS, Jim Champagne's passing follows closely behind that of his beloved
9 wife, Darlene Reinert Champagne, who passed on March 13, 2023; and
10 WHEREAS, Jim Champagne was born on March 12, 1944, to Edwin C. "Brother"
11 Champagne and Margret "Peggy" Atkin Champagne in Laurel, Maryland; and
12 WHEREAS, Jim grew up in Baton Rouge, was a 1962 graduate of Catholic High
13 School, and served five years in the Louisiana National Guard; and
14 WHEREAS, Jim was a graduate of the Northwestern University of Traffic Institute
15 in Evanston, Illinois, and he also held a bachelor of arts degree from Southeastern Louisiana
16 University in Hammond, Louisiana; and
17 WHEREAS, Jim Champagne had a long and distinguished career as a Louisiana
18 State Trooper serving twenty-one years, seven months, and twenty-three days, and retiring
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SLS 23RS-1773 ORIGINAL
1 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and
2 WHEREAS, in 1996, Jim Champagne was appointed Louisiana's Governor's
3 Highway Safety Representative (GR) and as chairman of the Governor's Highway Safety
4 Association; Jim's dedication and perseverance resulted in countless lives being saved; and
5 WHEREAS, during his tenure, Jim Champagne passionately advocated for highway
6 safety changes in Louisiana, despite a socio-economic culture that was challenging to
7 highway safety and a pervasive attitude of permissiveness toward drinking and driving; and
8 WHEREAS, always seeking impactful strategies for highway safety, Jim worked
9 tirelessly to develop the evidence and arguments to pass legislation as well as uphold the
10 constitutionality of Louisiana's sobriety laws and seatbelt laws; and
11 WHEREAS, given Jim Champagne's success in Louisiana, his expertise was sought
12 at the national level; his service included stints on the national boards of Operation Lifesaver
13 and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD); and
14 WHEREAS, Jim's leadership and success resulted in numerous awards and
15 recognitions including the J. Stannard Baker Award from the International Association of
16 Chiefs of Police and the Highway Safety Partner Award from Mothers Against Drunk
17 Driving (MADD) as well as awards from the National Commission Against Drunk Driving
18 and SADD, and
19 WHEREAS, in his more than forty year career, Jim Champagne brought unmatched
20 commitment, passion, and zeal to highway safety; and
21 WHEREAS, Jim Champagne spent his second retirement playing golf, cheering on
22 the Louisiana State University Tigers, and being PawPaw; and
23 WHEREAS, Jim Champagne is survived by his stepson, Philip Melancon and his
24 partner Chris Guillotte; grandchildren Elizabeth and Alexander Melancon; daughter,
25 Michelle Champagne; son, Michael Champagne; and brother, Bill Champagne; and
26 WHEREAS, Jim was preceded in death by Darlene, his beloved wife of thirty-eight
27 years, his parents, and his sister Jane.
28 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
29 does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of James "Jim" Edwin
30 Champagne, and hereby extend deep appreciation for his many contributions to the state of
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SLS 23RS-1773 ORIGINAL
1 Louisiana.
2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
3 Phillip Melancon.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Kathy Liberty.
DIGEST
SR 173 Original 2023 Regular Session White
Expresses condolences upon the death of James "Jim" Edwin Champagne.
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