House Concurrent Resolution 116

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE OF DEPUTY U.S. MARSHAL JOSIE LAMAR WELLS.

WHEREAS, an agent with the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force in the Southern District Office in Jackson, Mississippi, Josie Lamar Wells, the epitome of a true American hero, was on temporary assignment in the Baton Rouge area when he was killed in the line of duty on March 10, 2015, as he and other members of the task force attempted to serve a warrant and apprehend a man accused in a double homicide; and

WHEREAS, the fallen four-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service leaves behind a legacy of law enforcement officers, his father, Obie Wells, Sr., a retired captain for the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, his older brother, Obie Wells, Jr., a sergeant for the Jackson Police Department, and two younger brothers, one of whom is a police officer for the Moss Point Police Department and the other being a private security officer; and

WHEREAS, when Josie's family reflects on the 27 cherished years they spent with him, their broken hearts will warm and begin to mend as they remember his radiant, infectious smile, his laughter, his selfless attitude, and most importantly, his unconditional love; and

WHEREAS, born on September 4, 1987, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Obie Sr. and Sherry Wells, Josie became a part of a family with an extensive criminal justice background, so as a small boy, he had already decided that he wanted to become a U.S. Marshal; and

WHEREAS, considered by his teachers to be a dream student, Josie could often be found discussing his law enforcement dreams at the cafeteria table, and he left quite the legacy of excellence when he graduated from East Central High School in Hurley, Mississippi, in 2006; and

WHEREAS, as a member of theatre classes and the drama club, Josie's natural, confident and charismatic stage presence rivaled some of Hollywood's most memorable actors, and according to his football coach, Josie never complained about anything, but instead met constructive criticism, extra sprints, or long practices with a smile on his face and relentless energy; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure at Jackson State University, Josie was part of the U.S. Marshals Co-Op program, and in 2011, he witnessed his lifelong dream turn into reality when he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, a somewhat quiet person, Josie had a side-splitting sense of humor that complemented his award-winning smile, and his potent combination of charm, strength and joy pierced the heart of Channing Kalise Sly Wells, and the two were married on June 30, 2012; and

WHEREAS, despite their short marriage, Josie will patiently wait for Channing at Heaven's gate, as they shared a forever love that is stronger than mortality and powerful enough to move mountains, and its presence could be seen every day through the sparkle in Channing's eye that illuminated whenever Josie walked into a room and the myriad of pictures on Josie's desk that detailed their love story and displayed his passionate love and dedication to her, but perhaps, the most lasting sign of their unconditional love for one another is growing inside Channing now, a young son to be named Josie Lamar Wells, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, while he will never meet his son in this world, who is sure to grow up and possess the same courageous, selfless and kind demeanor that his father had, Josie's heart was already bursting with love for the unborn child, as the last time he left their home for work, he kissed Channing's baby bump, stating, "See you later, little Jojo"; and

WHEREAS, out of all the days he spent dreaming about becoming a U.S. Marshal and marrying the love of his life, Channing Wells, no dream was more important to Josie than becoming a father, and now, Josie Jr. is due on Josie's birthday and will always remember his father as the "Hero Under God"; and

WHEREAS, despite knowing the risk involved with his line of work, Josie never wavered in his decision to put on his uniform every morning and drive to his job, a job that required him to put his own life on the line in order to maintain order, keep the peace, apprehend dangerous criminals, safeguard the American system of justice and ultimately protect the country he loved; and

WHEREAS, everyone from Wells' first duty station in St. Louis, the members of the task force he was serving with in Louisiana and his coworkers from the Jackson field office will remember Josie each day they put on their star for the dynamic smile he greeted each of them with daily and the legacy he left of deep selflessness, faith and integrity; and

WHEREAS, Josie confessed his devotion to Christ at First Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and he now enjoys eternal peace because as the Word of God in Luke 2:29 states, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word," which may bring peace of mind to his friends and family; 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 paternal and maternal grandparents and an aunt, the legacy of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells' memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: wife, Channing Wells; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Obie Wells, Sr.; siblings, Taniesha Wells-Garcia, Obie (Tyesha) Wells, Jr., Melanie Wells, Shantreneika Harper, Amanda (Michael) Brown, Jason (Hildiah) Wells, Erinn Wells and Julian Wells; mother-in-law, Julia Sly; sister-in-law, Chainese Sly, 12 aunts and uncles; 58 first cousins, 22 nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor heroic Mississippians such as Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells, who valiantly sacrificed his life for the United States of America and the State of Mississippi:

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 life, legacy and extraordinary courage of Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Lamar Wells 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 Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Lamar Wells and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.