WHEREAS, Joseph Buford Tompkins, Jr., an esteemed attorney, devoted civic activist, and beloved member of the Fairfax County community, died on April 15, 2022; and

WHEREAS, born in Vinton, Joseph "Joe" Buford Tompkins earned a bachelor's degree from Washington & Lee University in 1971 and both a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School in 1975; and

WHEREAS, over his distinguished law career, Joe Tompkins worked in the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice from 1979 to 1982, including as deputy chief of its Fraud Section from 1980 to 1982, and was also a practicing attorney at Sidley Austin LLP for more than 40 years, both before and after his tenure at the United States Department of Justice; and

WHEREAS, as a result of his outstanding work as a litigator, Joe Tompkins has been recognized by many prestigious publications, including The Legal 500 United States; Super Lawyers, where he has been listed as a "Top Rated Lawyer" for several years; and Continental Who's Who, which identified him as a Pinnacle Lifetime Professional in the field of law; and

WHEREAS, Joe Tompkins was an engaged member of the community and a dedicated civic activist, serving as a poll greeter for years at the Hollin Hall precinct in Fairfax County and regularly hosting the annual Mount Vernon Democrats' ice cream social in his front yard; and

WHEREAS, Joe Tompkins took great joy in spending time with his family and was a generous mentor who quietly and selflessly supported the success and well-being of his colleagues and friends; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Joe Tompkins enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Fort Hunt, where he served as a leader on the endowment committee; and

WHEREAS, Joe Tompkins was integral to the establishment and oversight of Aldersgate United Methodist Church's Not Too Far From Here Fund, a charitable grant program designed to provide housing, medical care, and other emergency services to local individuals and families in need; and

WHEREAS, Joe Tompkins will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Graves and Forbes, and their families and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joseph Buford Tompkins, Jr., an accomplished attorney and cherished member of the Fairfax County community whose service and integrity were an inspiration to all who knew him; 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 Joseph Buford Tompkins, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.