WHEREAS, Armand James DeBellis, a decorated veteran and a city official who worked to enhance the City of Virginia Beach, died on February 26, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Armand James "Jim" DeBellis joined many of the other young men of his generation in service to his country during World War II; he served with the 135th Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division in Italy, earning a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge for his valorous actions; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeBellis returned to the United States and finished his education, earning a bachelor's degree from Grove City College in 1949; he was a loyal employee of Allegheny Energy for 18 years and rose to a management position in one of its subsidiaries, the Potomac Edison Company; and

WHEREAS, in September 1970, Jim DeBellis was appointed as the first director of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development; under his leadership, the department successfully promoted and encouraged tourism and responsible development, creating jobs and new opportunities in the city; and

WHEREAS, establishing and directing a wide variety of projects throughout his career with the city, Jim DeBellis oversaw the development of the Lynnhaven Mall, the Pavilion Convention Center, and several industrial parks that attracted national and international companies to the area; and

WHEREAS, a leader in the economic development field, Jim DeBellis served with numerous peer organizations and was appointed by three Virginia governors to serve on the Virginia Tourism and Travel Commission; and

WHEREAS, after his retirement as director of the Department of Economic Development in 1989, Jim DeBellis continued to donate his time and wise leadership to service organizations, boards, and committees in the city, including as a past president of the Virginia Beach Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeBellis cared deeply for the City of Virginia Beach and his fellow residents, and he leaves a legacy of excellence to future city officials; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Sally Jane, Jim DeBellis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his daughters, Margaret and Barbara, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Armand James DeBellis, a veteran, civil servant, and community leader in Virginia Beach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Armand James DeBellis as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.