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HJR 660

Memorials, Death - James W. "Jim" Ayers -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Renea Jones

A memorial resolution honoring James W. Ayers for leadership in banking, philanthropy, and education, expressing sympathy to his family, and recording his lasting Tennessee legacy.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 660

Summary of House Joint Resolution 660 (HJR 660)

Overview

HJR 660 is a memorial joint resolution recognizing and honoring the life, work, and philanthropic legacy of James W. "Jim" Ayers of Parsons, Tennessee. The bill provides formal statements of remembrance by both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly and expresses sympathy to Mr. Ayers’s family. It was introduced on April 15, 2025 and was subsequently signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • To honor the memory of James W. Ayers, highlighting his leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and commitment to rural Tennessee.
  • To acknowledge his impact on business (notably in banking) and education, as well as his service to the community.

Key provisions and content

  • Formal expressions of respect: The resolution states that the General Assembly was saddened by Ayers’s passing and reflects on his character and lifelong dedication to service.
  • Summary of achievements:
    • Business leadership: Founder and former CEO/Executive Chairman of FirstBank; expanded the bank from a single institution with $14 million in assets (1984) to a major southeastern bank with asset growth to more than $13 billion.
    • Healthcare beginnings: Early career in healthcare, followed by founding American Health Centers (a network of nursing homes in Tennessee).
    • Philanthropy and education: Founder of The Ayers Foundation (1999), focusing on education, conservation, and social welfare; supported over 20,000 rural Tennessee students through guidance and opportunities such as apprenticeships, workforce certificates, or college paths.
    • Education and institutions: Honorary roles or recognitions from Jackson State Community College, Bethel University, Freed-Hardeman University, Union University, and the University of Memphis; involvement with Ayers Institute programs at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Lipscomb University; contributions leading to the Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation.
    • Notable facilities/awards: Vanderbilt University Medical Center naming its new $500 million tower the Jim Ayers Tower (opening planned for October 2025); numerous awards recognizing his humanitarian and entrepreneurial work.
  • Specific concluding language: The resolution directs the preparation of an official copy for presentation and notes formatting or designation provisions (the copy should appear without House or Senate designation after the state seal).

Who is affected

  • The resolution primarily affects state ceremonial and commemorative discourse. It memorializes Jim Ayers and expresses sympathy to his family. It does not impose new policy or regulatory requirements.

Procedural/timeline details

  • Introduction: April 15, 2025.
  • House actions: Sponsor added (April 15–16); engrossed and adopted (April 16); sent to Senate (April 17); concurrence and final passage in the House (April 21).
  • Senate actions: Concurred (April 21); enrolled (April 24); transmitted to Governor (April 28).
  • Governoral action: Signed on May 5, 2025.
  • Status: Significantly, the bill is a memorial joint resolution, not a bill enacting substantive law.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Representative Jones R.

Bottom line

HJR 660 serves as a formal, commemorative acknowledgment of Jim Ayers’s life, leadership in business and banking, and extensive philanthropy in education and community development across Tennessee. It codifies a commemorative sentiment by the General Assembly and records official sympathy for his family, while noting a number of his lasting institutional legacies.

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

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