SJ5074: Celebrating the life of the Honorable James Clinton Turk.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5074

Offered September 17, 2014
Celebrating the life of the Honorable James Clinton Turk.
Patron-- Smith

WHEREAS, the Honorable James Clinton Turk, a retired chief judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia who represented the residents of 37th District in the Senate of Virginia for 13 years, died on July 6, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of Roanoke County, James Turk graduated from William Byrd High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College and a law degree from Washington and Lee University; and

WHEREAS, James Turk joined many of the other young men of his generation in the United States Army during World War II, and he later rose to the rank of captain in the United States Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of service to the Commonwealth, James Turk was elected to the Senate of Virginia and took office in 1959; he ably represented the residents of the Cities of Radford and Galax and the Counties of Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, and Montgomery and became Senate minority leader in 1965; and

WHEREAS, James Turk worked to enact important legislation for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth and offered his wisdom and experience to several committees, including Commerce and Labor, Finance, and Rules; and

WHEREAS, in 1972, James Turk was appointed judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, and he went on to serve as chief judge of the court for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, during his time on the bench, James Turk was admired for his compassion and practicality; he ruled on several prominent cases and presided with great fairness and wisdom until his retirement in 2003; and

WHEREAS, James Turk worked to enhance the community as a member of several civic and service organizations, and he enjoyed fellowship and worship as a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Radford; a man of deep integrity, James Turk served the community, the Commonwealth, and the nation with dedication and distinction; and

WHEREAS, James Turk will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Barbara; his five children; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a respected public servant, the Honorable James Clinton Turk; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable James Clinton Turk as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.