House Resolution 29

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER, MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF MR. JIMMY BUCHANAN, SR., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after numerous years of service and dedication to Copiah County and the State of Mississippi, Jimmy Buchanan, Sr., retired from his position as the Assistant Superintendent of Education for Copiah County Schools on June 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan, born June 11, 1942, in Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, to the late Clarence and Gertrude Buchanan, is exceptionally active in religious, civic, social, economic and educational activities in the Copiah County area and throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from J.E. Johnson High School in Prentiss, Mississippi, where he was a member of the high school football team, Mr. Buchanan attended Jackson State University where he received his bachelor's degree in health and physical education in 1964 and further earned his master's degree in administration and supervision in 1972, and he also completed his post-doctorate coursework at the University of Mississippi in 1988; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Jackson State University, Mr. Buchanan began his career as a history teacher at Holtzclaw Memorial High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, where he also served as the head baseball coach and head basketball coach for the girls team, and he remained in that position until he was selected to become the assistant principal in 1968; and

WHEREAS, in 1969, Mr. Buchanan was chosen to serve as the principal of Crystal Springs High School, where he also served as assistant football coach, until he became the Assistant Superintendent of Copiah County Schools in 1974, retiring for the first time in that position in July 2000; and

WHEREAS, after retirement, Mr. Buchanan began working with the Mississippi Department of Education to evaluate and make recommendations to underperforming schools, and in 2010 he began working in his former position as Assistant Superintendent of Education for Copiah County Schools and he held this position until he retired for the second time on June 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, outside of his professional and career achievements, Mr. Buchanan married Mae Elma Buchanan on November 25, 1965, and had two children, Jimmy and Cynthia, and he has also been blessed with two grandchildren, Laci Marie and Maegan Elizabeth; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan has been a member of New Zion United Methodist Church for over 45 years where he has served in numerous capacities, and in addition to his faithful service to his church, Mr. Buchanan, being filled with an eagerness to mold the minds of the younger generation, has been a member of the 100 Black Men of Jackson, Inc., for over 20 years, which has enabled him to impart to the young men that he mentors the wisdom and advice that can only be acquired through life experience, which then enables these young men to reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams and achieve greatness, and in this distinguished organization, Mr. Buchanan is a former vice president and former chairman, and currently serves on the membership committee and as a co-chairman; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan has actively participated in various other organizations, as a member of the American Association of School Administrators, former member of the Board of Trustees at Camp Wesley Pines, member of the Copiah County Democratic Executive Committee, former president and current member of the Copiah County Economic Development District, member of the Copiah County Medical Center Board for 30 years, a former president and current member of the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce, former president and current member of the Crystal Springs Lions Club, member of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Copiah County, member of the Jackson State University Alumni Association, Copiah County Alumni Chapter, former president of the Mississippi Association of Assistant Superintendents, member of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators, lifetime board member and former treasurer of Mississippi Association of Pupil Transportation, board member of the Mississippi Toughest Kid Foundation, former member of the Mississippi Job Corps Community Relation Council, member of the New Zion United Methodist Men, former member of the Board of Directors of the Pearl River Basin Development District, member of the Red Rose Fraternal Organization and a Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 182; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Buchanan has received numerous honors and awards throughout his prestigious career, including the Pioneer Award for Outstanding Service Rendered to Copiah County and the award for 2007 Citizen of the Year for Copiah County by the Hazlehurst Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend great Mississippians such as Mr. Jimmy Buchanan, Sr., who are steadfastly devoted to the betterment of our great Magnolia State and its citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career, meritorious leadership and outstanding service of Mr. Jimmy Buchanan, Sr., upon the occasion of his retirement and extend sincere wishes for his continued success and joy in the lighter days ahead.

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