2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108510D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 253

Offered March 5, 2026

Celebrating the life of Joseph Towler Knox.

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Patrons—Carr, Cousins, McQuinn, Schmidt and Willett; Senators: Bagby, McDougle and VanValkenburg

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WHEREAS, Joseph Towler Knox, a devoted educator in Richmond who helped countless students explore the world by developing their skills as linguists, died on November 5, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Joseph “Joe” Towler Knox grew up in Tennessee and attended West End High School in Nashville; he spent mornings and evenings delivering newspapers and saved his earnings to pay for his first year of college; and

WHEREAS, Joe Knox received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where he studied French and Russian and performed in many theatrical performances with the Princeton Triangle Club; known for his boundless curiosity and passion for lifelong learning, he subsequently earned a master's degree in English from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree in French from the University of Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Joe Knox served the nation for two years as a member of the Office of Naval Intelligence, then ultimately settled in Richmond and became a teacher at St. Christopher's School, where in 1965, he was asked to establish the school's foreign language department; and

WHEREAS, a creative and engaging teacher, Joe Knox cofounded a joint drama program between St. Christopher's School and St. Catherine's School and incorporated travel programs to France and Russia in his language courses, which also included the study of art history and drama; and

WHEREAS, Joe Knox participated in activities and programs through the American Association of Teachers of French, and the French government awarded him the title of Knight of the Order of Academic Palms for his contributions to the appreciation of French culture; and

WHEREAS, Joe Knox retired from St. Christopher's School in 2003 after more than four decades of service to young people in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his first wife, Ella-Prince, Joe Knox will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Jane; his daughters, Eliza and Daisy, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and former students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph Towler Knox; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joseph Towler Knox as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.