Bill Text: VA SR115 | 2021 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of James Perry Wark.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2021-02-04 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR115ER) [SR115 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-SR115-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, James Perry Wark, an esteemed educator, accomplished musician, advocate for the hearing and vision impaired, and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on February 7, 2020; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and the University of Hartford, James "Jim" Wark worked briefly in Augusta, Georgia, before settling in Richmond, where he would enjoy a growing community of friends, colleagues, and bandmates for the rest of his life; and
WHEREAS, a gifted communicator, Jim Wark worked in the advertising departments at both Style Weekly and the Richmond Times-Dispatch and later served as the publisher of Style Weekly; and
WHEREAS, inspired to contribute to the success of young people in his community, Jim Wark embarked upon a second career as an educator in his later years, earning a teaching degree from Mary Baldwin College and working as an elementary school teacher for Richmond Public Schools for five years; and
WHEREAS, Jim Wark's impact in the community was felt through his extensive work with Partnership for Families, a nonprofit organization supporting parents and children in the Richmond area, and Virginia Voice, a nonprofit organization broadcasting news and other informative programming for the benefit of individuals with vision impairment in the Commonwealth, for which he served as chief executive officer; and
WHEREAS, a passionate music lover, Jim Wark served on the Board of Directors of WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio, and was an influential volunteer with the Virginia Performing Arts Center Foundation and the Richmond Folk Festival; and
WHEREAS, a noteworthy musician in his own right, Jim Wark graced the stage with many of Richmond's cherished ensembles over the years, including the Janet Martin Band, Chrome Daddy Disco, Uncle Drew and the Powhite Boys, Ron Moody and the Centaurs, Billy Ray Hatley and the Showdogs, Billy and the Buttons, the Super Sugar Beats, and the Taters, with whom he collaborated to present the area's popular Rock and Roll Jubilee; and
WHEREAS, Jim Wark will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Tom and Marella, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Perry Wark, a treasured member of the Richmond community whose unwavering kindness and generosity touched countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Perry Wark as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.
