HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 221 Offered January 20, 2006 Commending Gus John James II. ---------- Patron—Joannou, Iaquinto and Oder ----------

WHEREAS, Gus John James II was elected Supreme President of the Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) for 2005-2006 at the 83rd Supreme Convention in Boston on July 23, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Gus James is a member and respected leader of the AHEPA Robert E. Lee Chapter 122 located in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, founded in 1922 to combat discrimination demonstrated against ethnic groups in the early 20th century in America, AHEPA today promotes the ideals of Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence, and is the largest and oldest association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes; and

WHEREAS, during his term as president, Gus James' mission is to reestablish AHEPA as the leading force supporting Hellenism in the world through the “Voice of Hellenism” campaign, which provides education as well as a forum to discuss important issues facing Hellenes at home and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Gus James was born in Koma Yialou in Cyprus and moved with his family to the United States when he was seven years old; and

WHEREAS, Gus James received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Richmond in 1962, a law degree from Marshall Wythe School of Law from The College of William and Mary in 1966, and continued at the university to earn a master's degree in law and taxation in 1967; and

WHEREAS, a devoted member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, Gus James has served as president of the parish council and chairman of the building fund committee; and

WHEREAS, Gus James is an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and received the National Conference of Community and Justice Humanitarian Award; and

WHEREAS, Gus James is a member of the Cyprus Benevolent Society in Norfolk and has been honored with the AHEPA Chapter President of the Year award and the Ahepan of the Year award by Capital District No. 3; he has served on the board of directors for the Order of AHEPA and as a member of the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee; and

WHEREAS, Gus James is the commissioner of the Norfolk Airport Authority and is a member of the boards of the Towne Point Club, the BonSecours DePaul Health Foundation, the Sentara Advisory Board, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and the Medical Center Hospitals; he also has served on the board of the Norfolk Symphony, the Virginia Orchestra Group, the Old Dominion University Intercollegiate Foundation, the Old Dominion University Education Foundation, and as a member of the Development Committee of Eastern Virginia Medical School; and

WHEREAS, committed to enhancing the quality of life of his fellow citizens, Gus James was included in the Blue Book of Tidewater, which honors philanthropists who have made outstanding contributions to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Gus John James II on his election as Supreme President of the Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association for 2005-2006; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gus John James II as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration and gratitude for his many achievements and outstanding service.