Bill Text: SC H4674 | 2021-2022 | 124th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Honorable Jimmy C Bales
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 81-43)
Status: (Passed) 2021-12-06 - Introduced and adopted [H4674 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2021-H4674-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JIMMY C. BALES OF EASTOVER, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, many were deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Jimmy C. Bales, former member of the South Carolina House, on September 25, 2021, his eighty-sixth birthday; and
Whereas, born September 25, 1935, in Rose Hill, Virginia, Jimmy was the son of James and Ruth Bales. The Korean War brought Jimmy to Fort Jackson in 1955. After his honorable discharge, Jimmy received his bachelor's degree from Columbia College, his master's degree from East Tennessee State University, and his doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, he was a retired educator of thirty-three years, having served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Lower Richland High School during desegregation, as well as director of career education for Richland District One. In previous years, he also had served as a probation officer for Richland County Family Court, a residential home builder, and an Eastover farmer; and
Whereas, Jimmy Bales exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. He was politically involved with the Richland County Democratic Party dating back to 1955. His first political office was serving on Richland County Council from 1977 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1990; and
Whereas, in 1999, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He considered himself privileged to serve the citizens of District 80 and the entire State for twenty-two years. From the beginning of his tenure as a House member, he was a leader, first serving as chair of the Freshman Caucus and then acting on many committees, including the Judiciary Committee; Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee; Invitations Committee (chair); and, most notably, the Ways and Means Committee, which further enabled him to champion the needs of his constituents; and
Whereas, Jimmy always understood that he needed to work across party lines to effectuate meaningful, positive change. Another of his many attributes was his tenacity, which served him well in reaching his goals as a public servant. While on Richland County Council, he was instrumental in implementing the first countywide zoning ordinance, garbage pickup, and fire service. While in the House of Representatives, he worked tirelessly in support of passing legislation to benefit District 80, which included securing funds for the Lower Richland Substation of the sheriff's department and for widening Leesburg Road, among many other projects; and
Whereas, in recognition of his service, he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor. He also was honored to have the Shop Road Extension, for which he tenaciously worked, dedicated in his name; and
Whereas, a man of faith, Jimmy Bales was a founding member of Temple Baptist Church; and
Whereas, predeceased by his first wife, Violet Jo Burgner, and two children, Deborah and Richard, Jimmy Bales leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his wife of twenty-eight years, Helen Lynn Bales; two stepsons, Kevin Smith and Kris Smith; a daughter, Kristen Bales; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a humble public servant and beloved South Carolina leader, one who will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Jimmy C. Bales of Eastover, celebrate his life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Helen Lynn Bales for the family.
