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