MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Buck (5th), Buck (72nd), Miles, Massengill, Steverson, Kinkade

House Concurrent Resolution 103

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JAMES WILLIAM (JIMMY) WARREN, JR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

     WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. James William (Jimmy) Warren, Jr., to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, bringing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

     WHEREAS, the Holly Springs community lost a wonderful friend, community pillar and devoted peoples' servant on Monday, March 18, 2013, with the passing of Mr. Warren, who had an outstanding reputation for his attention to detail, technology and justice; and

     WHEREAS, a graduate and valedictorian of Holly Springs High School, Mr. Warren extended his educational matriculation at the University of Mississippi, where he received his bachelor's and juris doctorate degrees, and where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and distinguished military graduate of the university's R.O.T.C. program; and

     WHEREAS, upon completion of his collegiate and professional studies, Mr. Warren, a true patriot and loyalist to the star spangled banner, this nation's iconic symbol of democracy, served as a first and second lieutenant in the United States Army, Military Police Corps, as an armored calvary officer and executive officer in the Mississippi National Guard; and

     WHEREAS, ever the servant of mankind, Mr. Warren taught one year at the University of Mississippi Law School before returning to Holly Springs in 1975 to open Warren and Jones, a successful law practice with colleague Peggy Jones, all the while remaining actively involved throughout the years in the public service to Marshall County through his work with several of the municipal and county government departments and agencies, including:  his service as Holly Springs' first municipal judge; attorney for the Marshall County Board of Supervisors; legal advisor and liaison to the FBI, the United States Marshall Service and for the Marshall County Sheriff's Department; assistant United States attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi; chief of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Criminal Division; and a 45-year veteran of the Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Warren was instrumental and successful in bringing thousands of seized funds resulting from prosecutions of those involved in the illegal sale of tobacco throughout the United States; and

     WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to the building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity, Mr. Warren's heart was pierced by the love and affection of the former Susan Stegall, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony, and their union was blessed with two children:  son, Robert T. Warren, who preceeded his father in death; and daughter, Alexis Warren Williams; and

     WHEREAS, a hard worker by design, Mr. Warren's love for the outdoors and wildlife led him to share his good fortune of great places to hunt with underprivileged children, and devoted his religious and civic service to the Christ Episcopal Church, the advisory board for the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Mississippi and both the Holly Springs and the Oxford Rotary Clubs; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Warren and his wife, Susan, established the Robert T. "Rob" Warren Outstanding Criminal Justice Student Award, a legal studies scholarship in memory of their son who was beginning a career in law enforcement before an untimely bout with cancer claimed his life; and

     WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of heaven's grandeur, including his son and his father, James William Warren, Sr., the legacy of Mr. Warren's memory, which if put to music, would be a majestic symphonic masterpiece composed by the Holy Trinity, will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors:  wife of 40 years, Susan Stegall Warren; daughter, Alexis Warren Williams; mother, Dorothy Warren; grandson, Warren Lewis Williams; sister, Sally Permenter; and a host of other relatives, friends and church members; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the selflessness of an individual of such esteemed caliber as Mr. Warren, who devoted his life to a life of service by leaving an indelible imprint on the lives of all he encountered through both his professional and Christian service:

     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 commend the life and legacy of Mr. James William (Jimmy) Warren, Jr., and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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