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HJR 248

Memorials, Death - Jay Ward Williams -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jake McCalmon

A ceremonial memorial recognizing Jay Ward Williams’s life and public service, expressing condolences to his family, and authorizing an official copy for presentation.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 248

Summary of HJR 248 (Memorials, Death – Jay Ward Williams)

Overview

  • Bill: House Joint Resolution 248 (HJR 248)
  • Title: Memorials, Death – Jay Ward Williams
  • Type: Joint resolution (concurrent resolution) honoring an individual
  • Sponsor: Rep. McCalmon
  • Status: Signed by the Governor on March 12, 2025
  • Purpose: A formal memorial recognizing the life, public service, and personal character of Jay Ward Williams and extending condolences to his family.

What the bill does

  • The resolution memorializes the life of Jay Ward Williams, praising him as an exemplary public servant and a principled individual who contributed to public life and his community.
  • It expresses sympathy and condolences to Williams’s family.
  • It directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a specific formatting note regarding signature blocks after the State seal (omitting House/Senate designations on the final copy).

Background and content highlights

  • The memorial provides a biographical sketch, noting:
    • Birth: July 8, 1949, in Sacramento, California
    • Education: Attended Rio Linda High School; earned an associate degree from American River College
    • Military service: U.S. Air Force (1967–1975)
    • Career: Trucker and later a correctional officer with the California Department of Corrections
    • Family: Married to Lavada Sue Cox; parent of James Ward Williams and Kenneth Edward Williams; grandparent and great-grandparent listed
  • The prose emphasizes Williams’s integrity, public service, compassion, loyalty, and dedication.

Who is affected

  • Primary effect: Public recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly of Jay Ward Williams’s life and service.
  • Secondary effect: Honoring his family and preserving his legacy within state records, with an official copy presented to the family upon request.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 24, 2025
  • Key actions (selected):
    • February 24, 2025: Filed for introduction; placed on House consent calendar for 2/27/2025
    • February 27, 2025: Passed House (Ayes 93, Nays 0)
    • March 3–4, 2025: Transmitted to Senate; placed on Senate Calendar
    • March 6–7, 2025: Senate concurrence achieved (Ayes 32, Nays 0); enrolled and ready for signature
    • March 7, 2025: Signed by Senate Speaker and House Speaker
    • March 11, 2025: Transmitted to Governor
    • March 12, 2025: Governor signed; bill became law as a memorial resolution
  • No fiscal or regulatory impact; purely ceremonial and commemorative.

Bottom line

HJR 248 is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Jay Ward Williams for his public service and personal character, expressing condolences to his family, and providing for the preparation of an official copy for presentation. It reflects a routine, non-controversial recognition widely supported, as evidenced by unanimous floor votes and swift gubernatorial action.

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

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