2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 318

Celebrating the life of Sergeant Major Jesse James Williams, USA, Ret.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026

WHEREAS, Sergeant Major Jesse James Williams, USA, Ret., an honorable veteran, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and revered member of the Virginia Beach community, died on December 23, 2025; and

WHEREAS, raised in Alabama, Jesse Williams enlisted in the United States Army at a young age and served his country with honor and distinction for 30 years, including multiple tours of duty in combat zones in Vietnam and Korea; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his leadership and professionalism, Jesse Williams rose through the ranks from a noncommissioned officer to sergeant major, the United States Army's highest enlisted rank, and he concluded his military career as the commandant at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Fort Eustis; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his valor and service, Jesse Williams received many awards and decorations over his career, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Meritorious Unit Citation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Driver Mechanic Badge, and Meritorious Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, following his service, Jesse Williams dedicated 15 years to the Commonwealth as a manager with what was then the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control, where he worked tirelessly to support the agency in the execution of its mission; and

WHEREAS, in his well-earned retirement, Jesse Williams enjoyed travelling, taking care of his cars, and, above all else, spending quality time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Jesse Williams was a devoted member of Lynnhaven Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, where he served on the church finance team and as a part-time usher; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his daughter, Tchernavin, Jesse Williams will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of more than 70 years, Clara; his children, Jesse, Jr., Maurice, and Brenda, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Sergeant Major Jesse James Williams, USA, Ret., a cherished member of the Virginia Beach community whose love, wisdom, and guidance will live on in all of those who knew him; 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 Sergeant Major Jesse James Williams, USA, Ret., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.