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SJ 346

Celebrating the life of Ellis Whedon James.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelia Graves

Virginia General Assembly commemorates Ellis Whedon James with a memorial resolution honoring his military service, civil rights work, housing justice, and community leadership.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ346ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 346

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 346 (SJ346ER) — Celebrating the life of Ellis Whedon James

Overview

SJ346ER is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Virginia General Assembly to honor and memorialize Ellis Whedon James, a longtime Norfolk resident and community leader. The measure recognizes his military service, professional career, civil rights advocacy, environmental stewardship, and religious community involvement. There are no policy changes or mandated programs; the resolution is a commemorative expression from the General Assembly.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly note with great sadness the passing of Ellis Whedon James (died January 7, 2025) and to acknowledge his contributions to Norfolk and the commonwealth.
  • To memorialize his life, integrity, and dedication that inspired those who knew him.
  • To have the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to his family as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect.

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • The resolution provides a biographical summary of Ellis Whedon James, highlighting:
    • Birth and early life in Norfolk; graduation from Matthew Fontaine Maury High School (1955) and attendance at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
    • Military service: United States Army in Germany.
    • Professional career: successful insurance agent.
    • Civic and social contributions: advocate for justice and civil rights; precinct captain for the Democratic Party.
    • Housing justice: president of Tidewater Fair Housing, Inc. (since 1965), working to eliminate housing discrimination.
    • Environmental and community involvement: member of the Sierra Club; appointment to the Norfolk Environmental Commission.
    • Faith community: served as a deacon and choir member at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk.
  • The operative conclusion states that the General Assembly “notes with great sadness the loss” and that a copy of the resolution be provided to his family.

Affected Parties

  • Ellis Whedon James (the individual being memorialized).
  • The Norfolk community and broader commonwealth audience who recognize his civic and service contributions.
  • The family of Ellis Whedon James (recipient of a copy of the resolution).

Legislative History and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025 (SJ346, Patron: Williams Graves).
  • Engrossed: February 6, 2025 (Senate action).
  • Agreed to by the Senate: February 6, 2025.
  • Agreed to by the House: February 10, 2025.
  • Enrolled (as SJ346ER): February 11, 2025.
  • Status: The bill text is enrolled and has passed both chambers as a memorial resolution.

Implications and Fiscal Note

  • This is a ceremonial resolution; it does not create law, allocate funds, or authorize programs.
  • There is no indicated fiscal impact. Its purpose is symbolic recognition of Ellis Whedon James’s life and service.

Takeaway

SJ346ER serves as a formal, non-binding tribute by the Virginia General Assembly to honor Ellis Whedon James’s service, advocacy, and community leadership, culminating in a presentation copy to his family.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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