House Concurrent Resolution 55

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE MICHAEL WESTON JANUS, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Harrison, former Representative Michael Weston Janus, who represented House District 117, for 14 consecutive years, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Gulf Coast lost a wonderful friend, charismatic leader, dedicated public servant and astute businessman with the passing of Representative Janus, born in Charleston, South Carolina, to his late parents, Dr. John Janus and Mrs. Joan Janus, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, becoming a resident of Biloxi, after his father's military retirement and the family's desire to return to their native Biloxi, and it was under the exceptional guidance of his parents, who placed a premium value on religion, education and civic involvement, that a young Michael graduated from Biloxi High School in 1984, and subsequently embarked on his collegiate matriculation, earning a bachelor's degree in political science at South Alabama and a master's degree in public administration at the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, poised for greatness as a natural-born leader, Janus pursued his love of serving the community through his social and civic engagement, long before assuming his first term as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for District 117 in 1996, Representative Janus devoted himself to the innovative growth and success of his beloved Biloxi in the State Legislature before resigning in 2009 to seek election to the office of Mayor of Biloxi; and

WHEREAS, after his unsuccessful bid for the office of Mayor of Biloxi, Michael was tapped to serve as the City Manager for D'Iberville, and it was during this time that he served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Steven Palazzo before retiring to the private sector and establishing a development company, Southern Living Services, which had in its portfolio, the Estate at River Bend, a drug and alcohol treatment center in George County; and

WHEREAS, Representative Janus' love and deeply felt respect for the Legislature as a hallowed institution was innately apparent as he welcomed and mentored newly elected members from the Gulf Coast, as well as serving as co-founder of the Republican Caucus with fellow Gulf Coast delegation member and former Representative, Jim Simpson, upon receiving the blessing of then Governor Haley Barbour to do so; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the political activity, Michael remained active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his volunteerism with several different civic organizations, including: the American Legislative Exchange Council; Youth Business Leaders Association (past president); Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce (past vice-president); Boy's and Girl's Club (past president and board member); Knights of Columbus; Leadership Gulf Coast (Class of 2000); Boy Scouts of America (past district chairman); Harrison County Council of Government (past chairman); Hands on Gulf Coast (board member); Salvation Army (board member); and Harrison County Republican Executive Committee (board member); and

WHEREAS, while Michael's life was favored with many opportunities both far and near, those that really knew his heart knew that his first love was his darling wife, Mrs. Nathalie "Talie" Janus, who, in accordance with the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of Michael's life by the Great Deity and grand architect of our lives' destiny, won her suitor's heart with her warm disposition, beautiful smile, genteel nature, and with whom he embarked upon a remarkable journey of love that spanned more than 26 years, which was highlighted with sparks of joy with the addition of two daughters; and

WHEREAS, Representative Janus led a life of bravery in the face of challenge and remained a phenomenal gentleman, grounded by his desire to improve the lives of others through positive example, hard work and the undeniable truths of the Word of God endeared to his heart as a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur in glorious reunion with the kindred spirits who transitioned before him, including his parents, the legacy of Michael's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Nathalie "Talie" Janus; daughters, Hannah and Sarah Janus; sister, Jennifer (Ken) Lockridge; sister-in-law, Nikki Nolte; nieces and nephews, Connor Lockridge, Corey Lockridge, Cameron Lockridge, Emilee Nolte, Will Nolte, Buddy Bass and Stella Bass; and a host of other relatives, colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the laudable legacy of remarkable service of our former colleague and friend, Representative Michael Weston Janus, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and intrepid dignity, and whose monumental life of genuine selflessness illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the esteemed and laudable career and public service of the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Harrison, former Representative Michael Weston Janus, to whose family we express sincere and deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of former Representative Michael Weston Janus and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.