House Resolution 2

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE GALLANT SERVICE AND COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PATROLMAN JAMES KEVIN WHITE, OF THE BROOKHAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT, WHO WAS LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018, AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worked 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 dearly beloved, James Kevin White, to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the community of Brookhaven, Mississippi, lost a wonderful friend, true public servant and decorated United States Army veteran with the passing Patrolman James Kevin White on Saturday, September 29, 2018, in service to the citizens of Brookhaven, 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, Patrolman White, a native of the community known as the "Home Seeker's Paradise," was born on July 7, 1983, to James Darrell White and Laurie Maxwell White, and possessed a zeal for life that was complimented by his personal determination to do his best in any endeavor undertaken, whether in the aid and assistance of others or the betterment of himself, which was made evident in his joining the Mississippi Army National Guard and subsequent tour of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he earned a Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, Patrolman White, who had previously worked with the Brookhaven Police Department before returning in June 2015 after a stint with the Monticello Police Department, was a man of integral character dedicated to the cause of serving others who did not cower in fear when facing the most adverse of conditions, and valiantly assumed the selflessness of a hero when using his life as a shield to protect the lives of others through the payment of the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, having extended himself to persevere above and beyond the call of duty, honor and loyalty to the United States, which he so fervently held sacred throughout the performance of his duties and Mississippi sworn law enforcement officer, Patrolman White was posthumously honored with the Medal of Valor by Governor Phil Bryant; and

WHEREAS, an officer and a gentleman who has laid down his flag and staff of battle to unite with the legions of Heaven's guardians, Patrolman White will be sorely missed by those who experienced the depth of his love, commitment and compassion for life and pursuit of freedom for all, but the legacy of his memory will forever be etched in the hearts and memories of his survivors, including: his father, James Darrell White; mother, Laurie Maxwell White; stepfather, Steve White; sons, James Curtis "J.C." White and James "Lee" Edward White; fiancé, Elizebeth "Liz" Howell; siblings, Lisa "Wese" White and Trey McBlair; special honorary brother, Dustin Vanderslice; stepsister, Leslie Kelly; stepbrother, Yaun White; nieces and nephews, Holly, Leiana, Colton, Sidnie, Stevie, Maggie and Hannah; grandparents, Curtis and Nadine Maxwell and Margaret Pitre; and a host of other relatives, friends and brothers and sisters in uniform; and

WHEREAS, counted among Mississippi's and Brookhaven's heroes, committed to our national and local safety and security, the State of Mississippi shares the sentiment that to a country, a fallen officer means a national loss; to a community, a fallen officer means a true hero; to a child, spouse or parent, a fallen officer means a loved one who will not be coming home; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Patrolman White fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians understand the costs of conflict, because we have paid them in the past, and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great American and Mississippian, as evidenced by the life and merits of Patrolman White, whose gift to this nation and state was the ultimate sacrifice of life in order that peace and prosperity abound for all citizens of the great State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby remember the gallant service and commend the life and personal sacrifice of Patrolman James Kevin White of the Brookhaven Police Department, and extend 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 Patrolman White and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.