2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 346

Celebrating the life of Ellis Whedon James.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 10, 2025

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

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

WHEREAS, Ellis James served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Army in Germany; and

WHEREAS, Ellis James had a successful career as an insurance agent, bringing countless individuals and families greater security and peace of mind; and

WHEREAS, Ellis James was a tireless advocate for justice and civil rights and served as a precinct captain with the Democratic Party; and

WHEREAS, Ellis James became president of Tidewater Fair Housing, Inc., in 1965 and worked indefatigably to eliminate discrimination in housing; and

WHEREAS, Ellis James was a member of the Sierra Club and supported local environmental stewardship through an appointment to the Norfolk Environmental Commission; and

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

WHEREAS, Ellis James will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

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

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.