Bill Text: VA HR243 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Resolution 243 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of James Edward Earp, Sr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2016-03-11 - Bill text as passed House (HR243ER) [HR243 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2016-HR243-Enrolled.html

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 243 Celebrating the life of James Edward Earp, Sr.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 11, 2016

WHEREAS, James Edward Earp, Sr., a patriotic veteran who dedicated his life to serving and strengthening the Christiansburg community as a respected educator, principal, and coach, died on February 24, 2016; and

WHEREAS, a native of Mountain City, Tennessee, James Edward "Buddy" Earp, Sr., was a star football player at Virginia High School in Bristol and was recruited by Emory & Henry College; he helped lead the Emory & Henry College football team to the Tangerine Bowl as team captain; and

WHEREAS, during the Korean War, Buddy Earp enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, which allowed him to finish his senior year of college before attending officer training; and

WHEREAS, joining many of the other young men of his generation in service to the nation, Buddy Earp deployed to Korea as a second lieutenant assigned to an artillery unit and earned a Purple Heart when he was wounded in action; after the war, he joined the United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve and pursued a graduate degree from the University of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Earp joined the faculty of Christiansburg High School as a physical education, Spanish, and English teacher, and in 1954, he became head coach of the football team; he also established the school's track and field team, which won the state championship in only its third season; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Earp served as principal of Christiansburg High School from 1964 to 1970 and worked to provide a positive atmosphere for both teachers and students; he also served as principal of Marion Senior High School and Glenvar High School before his well-earned retirement in 1985; and

WHEREAS, Buddy Earp remained active in the community, including as a member of the local American Legion and Kiwanis Club, with which he helped establish youth athletics teams in the area; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Jane, and one grandson, Michael, Buddy Earp will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his children, Jim and Lisa, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Edward Earp, Sr., an educator, principal, coach, and patriotic veteran in Christiansburg; 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 Edward Earp, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.