Bill Text: VA HJR515 | 2023 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of James D. Campbell.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-01-19 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ515ER) [HJR515 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HJR515-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, James D. Campbell, a respected expert in local government administration who served as the longtime executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties, died on August 17, 2022; and
WHEREAS, James "Jim" D. Campbell grew up in Henrico County and graduated from Douglas S. Freeman High School; he carried on a proud family legacy of attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management; and
WHEREAS, Jim Campbell continued his education at the University of Northern Colorado, from which he earned a master's degree in urban and regional planning, then began his long and distinguished career in local government in Henrico County; and
WHEREAS, Jim Campbell worked as an assistant county administrator in Warren County, then became the county administrator of Fluvanna County and held the distinction of being the youngest county administrator in the Commonwealth at the time; and
WHEREAS, in 1990, Jim Campbell was selected as the executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), and he led the organization through periods of significant change and growth for 26 years; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as executive director, Jim Campbell was a staunch advocate for the interests and advancement of all 95 counties in Virginia, building strong partnerships with local government officials across the Commonwealth to achieve significant state policy victories on tax, finance, and other policy issues; and
WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Jim Campbell formed an Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust (OPEB) that pools funds from at least 50 counties, cities, and towns, to earn a higher return on investment and better serve employees and is the largest OPEB pooled trust in the United States; he also helped establish the Virginia Investment Pool, which has helped at least 30 localities enhance their return on reserve funds; and
WHEREAS, Jim Campbell oversaw the renovation and opening of VACo's permanent headquarters on East Main Street in Richmond; he ensured that the project preserved the unique historic character of the building while incorporating environmentally conscious enhancements to achieve a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, and the building is now considered one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in Richmond; and
WHEREAS, admired for his peerless financial acumen and collaborative, supportive leadership style, Jim Campbell was a trusted friend and mentor to fellow members of VACo and stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, upon his well-earned retirement from VACo in 2016, Jim Campbell was the longest-serving executive director in the history of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Jim Campbell was a civic-minded leader who volunteered his time and wise insights to local fire departments, churches, homeowners' associations, youth organizations, professional societies, and committees; and
WHEREAS, Jim Campbell was a proud and active alumnus of Virginia Tech throughout his life and relished every opportunity to support the Virginia Tech Hokies and organize alumni events with the Class of 1971; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by his daughter, Amy, Jim Campbell will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife of 48 years, Christine; his son, Michael, and his family; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; 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 James D. Campbell; 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 James D. Campbell as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
