House Resolution 82

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND SELFLESSNESS OF WORLD WAR II VETERAN A.G. JAMES.

WHEREAS, A.G. James, a resident of Morton, Mississippi, has epitomized the model of citizenship in giving, commitment, zeal for life and community spirit at its best through his unwavering dedication and unselfish devotion to his community; and

WHEREAS, born September 9, 1915, in Polkville, Mississippi, Mr. James graduated from Puckett High School as valedictorian, from Jones Junior College in 1938 and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Mississippi State University in 1941 and 1952; and

WHEREAS, joining the Air Force in 1942 as an aerial engineer gunner, Mr. James saw duty during World War II in New Guinea, the Northern Solomons, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Western Pacific, receiving the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal and the Asia Pacific Campaign (APTO) Medal; and

WHEREAS, honorably discharged in September 1945, Mr. James began his 23-year career in education by teaching agriculture at Puckett High School, which honored him with "A.G. James Day" on September 30, 1960; and

WHEREAS, Mr. James married the former Mary Ella Purvis on March 12, 1947, and they were blessed with a son, Bob Purvis James; and

WHEREAS, Mr. James worked diligently at Puckett High School, and for his commitment to agriculture, was appointed Assistant Director to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture's meat inspection division by Agriculture Commissioner Jim Buck Ross in July 1968; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. A.G. James, whose life of giving as a soldier and a citizen has benefited many individuals:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mr. A.G. James for his unselfish humanitarian acts of kindness, tireless giving and unceasing devotion to his community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. A.G. James and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.