| 12 | 16 | | |
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| 13 | 17 | | |
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| 14 | 18 | | |
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| 15 | 19 | | WHEREAS, Ellis Whedon James, an honorable veteran, accomplished insurance agent, devoted advocate for social justice, and beloved member of the Norfolk community, died on January 7, 2025; and |
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| 16 | 20 | | |
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| 17 | 21 | | WHEREAS, born in Norfolk, Ellis James graduated from Matthew Fontaine Maury High School in 1955 before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and |
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| 18 | 22 | | |
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| 19 | 23 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army in Germany; and |
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| 20 | 24 | | |
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| 21 | 25 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James had a successful career as an insurance agent, bringing countless individuals and families greater security and peace of mind; and |
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| 22 | 26 | | |
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| 23 | 27 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James was a tireless advocate for justice and civil rights and served as a precinct captain with the Democratic Party; and |
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| 24 | 28 | | |
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| 25 | 29 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James became president of Tidewater Fair Housing, Inc., in 1965 and worked indefatigably to eliminate discrimination in housing; and |
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| 26 | 30 | | |
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| 27 | 31 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James was a member of the Sierra Club and supported local environmental stewardship through an appointment to the Norfolk Environmental Commission; and |
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| 28 | 32 | | |
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| 29 | 33 | | WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Ellis James enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir; and |
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| 30 | 34 | | |
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| 31 | 35 | | WHEREAS, Ellis James will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it |
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| 32 | 36 | | |
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| 33 | 37 | | RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ellis Whedon James, a treasured member of the Norfolk community whose integrity and dedication inspired all who knew him; and, be it |
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| 34 | 38 | | |
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| 35 | 39 | | RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ellis Whedon James as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory. |
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