Bill Text: VA HJR194 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 194 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Robert James Smith.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-02-08 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ194ER) [HJR194 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2010-HJR194-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 194 Celebrating the life of the Honorable Robert James Smith.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 29, 2010 Agreed to by the Senate, February 4, 2010

WHEREAS, Robert James Smith, a respected and admired Henrico County judge, died on December 30, 2009; and

WHEREAS, a patriotic and hard-working young man, Robert Smith proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II for three years; and

WHEREAS, upon his return, Robert Smith attended Washington and Lee University, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1946 and a law degree in 1950; and

WHEREAS, Robert Smith married the love of his life, the late Nancy Malinda Foster Smith, and together they raised a wonderful family; and

WHEREAS, Robert Smith began his law career in practice with his father, the late Percy S. Smith, in 1951; an excellent attorney, Robert Smith worked diligently to represent his clients and practiced with his father until his father's death in 1966; and

WHEREAS, Robert Smith then practiced with other partners and served as a substitute judge before becoming a full-time judge with the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in 1984, a position he held until his retirement in 1998; and

WHEREAS, a knowledgeable and experienced jurist, Judge Smith was known for his expertise and wisdom in family law matters and for his concern and compassion for the well-being and future of the children that came through his court; and

WHEREAS, even after his retirement, Judge Smith continued to serve the Commonwealth as a substitute judge until 2007; and

WHEREAS, Judge Smith was actively involved in the community through River Road Church, Baptist, the Bull & Bear Club, the Country Club of Virginia, the James River Catfish Club, and Lambda Chi Alpha; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Judge Smith will be greatly missed by his children Robert J. Smith, Jr., and Nancy Gayle Smith and their families; his other family members; and numerous friends and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the loss of a respected jurist and citizen, the Honorable Robert James Smith; 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 the Honorable Robert James Smith as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.