GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H D
HOUSE SIMPLE RESOLUTION DRHR40014 -LG-21
Sponsors: Representative Ball.
Referred
to:
*DRHR40014 -LG-21*
A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JOSEPH "JOE" 1
ROBERT JOHN, SR., LONGTIME MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2
IN THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 3
Whereas, Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., was born on Thursday, October 12, 1939, to 4
Joseph Andrew John and Stephanie Ann John in East Chicago, Indiana; and 5
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., received a bachelor's degree in English with a 6
minor in Political Science, a master's degree in Comparative Literature, and a Juris Doctorate 7
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and 8
Whereas, upon completing his education and becoming a three-time alumnus of the 9
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Joseph Robert John, Sr., remained an avid, lifelong 10
fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, celebrating many Tar Heel victories in Kenan 11
Stadium and the Dean Dome; and 12
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., assisted indigent clients upon assuming his first 13
position as a lawyer with the Greensboro Legal Aid Foundation, before subsequently working as 14
an Assistant District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney, and as a litigation attorney 15
for Pell, Pell, Weston and John; and 16
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., had a highly distinguished career in public service 17
which spanned the highest levels of the government of North Carolina across all three branches, 18
serving as Director of the State Crime Lab, Acting Commissioner of the North Carolina 19
Department of Motor Vehicles, and Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals; and 20
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was a highly capable public servant who dedicated 21
his time, energy, and talents to the betterment of the State, representing North Carolina House 22
District 40 in Wake County in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025; 23
and 24
Whereas, while serving in the legislature, Joseph Robert John, Sr., focused on 25
Criminal Justice, Judicial Elections, Public Transportation, and Education. He served on 26
numerous committees, including Appropriations; Appropriations – Justice and Public Safety; 27
Education – Community Colleges; Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform; Judiciary 3; 28
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House; and Transportation; and 29
Whereas, while serving in the legislature, Joseph Robert John, Sr., participated in 30
various caucuses across several different areas of interest, including the Bipartisan Safety and 31
Criminal Justice Caucus, the Early Childhood Caucus, the Economic Development and Foreign 32
Trade Caucus, the Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education, and the Life Science Caucus; and 33
Whereas, among his many contributions to improving the State of North Carolina, 34
Joseph Robert John, Sr., served on the North Carolina Courts Commission and was appointed to 35
chair the Commission by Governor Roy Cooper; and 36
H.R. 18
Jan 29, 2025
HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 DRHR40014-LG-21
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was an effective advocate for several important 1
election initiatives, including filing bills to create a nonpartisan redistricting commission and 2
nonpartisan judicial elections; and 3
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was a primary sponsor of numerous bills that 4
became law and have a significant impact on the workings of the judiciary and the criminal justice 5
system; and 6
Whereas, the colleagues of Joseph Robert John, Sr., in the House of Representatives 7
held him in the highest regard, listening to and depending on his wisdom and experience to seek 8
to improve the workings of the judiciary and the criminal justice system; and 9
Whereas, in the eight years he represented House District 40, Joseph Robert John, Sr., 10
consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the people of North Carolina and held 11
the service of his constituents as a top priority, tirelessly advocating for their well-being—one of 12
the many qualities that made him a much beloved legislator by his colleagues and the hundreds 13
of thousands of people that he helped; and 14
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., has been a champion of justice and equity, standing 15
firm in his dedication to ethical governance and the principles of the rule of law; and 16
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., upheld the highest standards of dignity and respect 17
in public service, conducting himself with grace and humility throughout his public service 18
career; and 19
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., provided thoughtful and principled leadership, 20
using his extensive knowledge and wisdom to address the most pressing challenges facing the 21
State; and 22
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues 23
and constituents through his unwavering integrity; and 24
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., served as an active member of the North Carolina 25
and Wake County Bar Associations and served on the boards of numerous community 26
organizations, including the Leesville Road High School Pride Athletic Association, the 27
Greensboro Center for Creative Arts, Family and Children's Services of Greater Greensboro, and 28
the North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board; and 29
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was honored by the North Carolina State Bar with 30
the "Fifty Years of Service" award; and 31
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was recognized for significant contributions to his 32
State and community, receiving the highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award 33
from Governor Jim Hunt; and 34
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, after 35
a lifetime of working on behalf of the people of his community and the State; and 36
Whereas, Governor Josh Stein proclaimed that the flags of North Carolina be lowered 37
to half-staff on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in mourning for and recognition of the exemplary 38
life of Joseph Robert John, Sr.; and 39
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., is survived by a devoted family, including his wife 40
of 42 years, Evelyn John; his children and their spouses, Steffi John Briley, Joseph Andrew 41
"Andy" John II and his wife Allison, and Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Jr., and his wife Julie; his 42
grandchildren, Lessie Ann, Annabelle, Aden, Ella, Remy, Dagny, and Samantha; his siblings, 43
Andrea Webb and her husband Gary, and their three sons, and the Hon. Steven John and his wife 44
Susan, and their son; and several other close family members; Now, therefore, 45
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives: 46
SECTION 1. The House of Representatives recognizes and expresses its 47
appreciation for the public service rendered by Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., which has 48
contributed to the betterment of the State of North Carolina. 49 General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
DRHR40014-LG-21 Page 3
SECTION 2. The House of Representatives extends its sincerest sympathy to the 1
family of Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., in the loss of one of its most distinguished and 2
outstanding members. 3
SECTION 3. The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the family 4
of Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr. 5
SECTION 4. This resolution is effective upon adoption. 6