A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of vernon grant james, former member of the general assembly.
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was born on July 11, 1910, in Pasquotank County, to John Calvin James and Fannie Coppersmith James; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James graduated from Weeksville High School in 1930 and attended North Carolina State University from 1930 to 1931; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was a lifelong supporter of the 4‑H Club, which he joined at an early age, serving as secretary and treasurer of the State 4‑H Club Council in 1930 and as a delegate and international member of the State 4‑H Honor Club in 1931; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was a successful farmer and served as President and Manager of James Brothers, Inc., a produce supply business; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James served the State with distinction as a member of the House of Representatives from 1945 to 1947 and 1973 to 1995 for a total of 13 terms; and
Whereas, during his service in the General Assembly, Vernon Grant James provided invaluable leadership as chair of the Agriculture Committee for nine terms and also contributed as a member of several other legislative committees and commissions; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was active in his community, serving as a member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce, Board of Education for Weeksville High School of which he served as chair from 1943 to 1944, Elizabeth City Airport Commission, Masonic Lodge 317, Elizabeth City York Bodies, and Sudan Temple Shriners; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James' knowledge of agriculture enabled him to serve effectively as President of the National Potato Council, Chair of the National Potato Board, a member of the National Potato Steering Committee and the Potato Advisory Committee, and a member of both the State and national Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Growers Associations; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was active in the Salem Baptist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was distinguished as the "Tarheel of the Week" in December of 1965 and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the North Carolina Soybean Association in 1983, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture in 1983, Award for Distinguished Service to County Government and North Carolina Citizens from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in 1984, 4‑H Club Outstanding Alumni Award in 1985, College of the Albemarle 25th Anniversary Award in 1985, North Carolina School Boards Association "True Friend of Public Education" Award in 1986, and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Distinguished Service Award in 1987; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James died on October 21, 2002; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James was predeceased in death by his first wife, Selma Harris James, and his two sons, John Thomas James Sr. and Vernon James Jr.; and
Whereas, Vernon Grant James is survived by his wife, Thelma James, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great‑grandchildren; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Vernon Grant James and expresses the appreciation of this State and its citizens for the service he rendered.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Vernon Grant James for the loss of a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Vernon Grant James.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.