10104322D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 159
Offered February 1, 2010
Celebrating the life of John Graves Sanders.
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Patrons-- Deeds and Wampler; Delegate: Shuler
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WHEREAS, John Graves Sanders of Clifton Forge, a beloved community leader, died on January 14, 2010; and

WHEREAS, John "Jimmie" Sanders was born in Clifton Forge on February 6, 1920, to Raymond Ernest and Thelma Graves Sanders and was one of two brothers; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders graduated from Clifton Forge High School in 1937 and attended Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a member of the Patrick Henry Society; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II; during that time he met the love of his life, Janet Angeline Jamison; and

WHEREAS, after returning home to Clifton Forge after the war, Jimmie Sanders married Janet at the Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount and they began their happy 63-year marriage, most of it spent in Clifton Forge; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders started his career in the automobile business before joining Mountain National Bank; his keen business sense and exemplary leadership skills helped him rise through the ranks to become president prior to his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders shared his financial expertise with organizations in the community as treasurer of the Alleghany Regional Hospital, Alleghany Foundation, and Covington-Hot Springs Rotary Club for many years; and

WHEREAS, known for his love of the hardworking people of Clifton Forge, Jimmie Sanders served on the Clifton Forge School Board, as chairman of the Clifton Forge Electoral Board; and as vice president of the local Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders was also a member of the Clifton Forge Masonic Lodge No. 166 A.F. & A.M., Alleghany Royal Arch No. 24, Knight Templar Alleghany Commandery No. 23, Scottish Rite Bodies of the Roanoke Valley, and Hot Springs Shrine Club; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders was the last living charter member of the Clifton Forge Shrine Club, was elected the 63rd potentate of Kazim Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S., and served as the past director of Roanoke Court No. 59, Royal Order of Jesters; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his many friends; he was a source of great entertainment and joy to all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Sanders will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Janet Angeline Jamison Sanders; their children, Thelma Graves Sanders Blair, John Graves Sanders, Jr., and Ellen Sanders Leeds, and their families; and his numerous friends and admirers; 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 dedicated community servant and outstanding Virginian, John Graves Sanders; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Graves Sanders as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.