Bill Text: WV HR10 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Memorializing the life of the Honorable James Michael Casey, proud father, veteran, attorney, public servant and West Virginian
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 61-39)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-04 - Completed legislative action [HR10 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2019-HR10-Introduced.html
HOUSE RESOLUTION 10
(By Delegates Staggers, Caputo, Butler, Miley, Cadle and Higginbotham
on Behalf of All Members of the House)
[Introduced February 4, 2019]
Whereas, James Michael Casey was born on April 3, 1949, in Parsons, West Virginia, a son of the late Leo A. Casey and Elizabeth Blackman Casey. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters Jo Ellen and Mary Ann, and is survived by his sister Elizabeth Prichard and his two children, Marianne and John;
Whereas, James attended college until Uncle Sam gave him a call and he proudly served in the U. S. Army from 1969 until 1972, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne of the United States Army. Following being honorably discharged from military service, he returned to school and graduated from the Ohio State University with a Degree in Journalism in 1974, and then received his Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the West Virginia University College of law in 1977; and
Whereas, James began his law practice in Point Pleasant in 1977, pursuing his desire to help people and to provide a meaningful contribution to his community. He dedicated a large portion of his law practice to pro bono work and in helping people in his community who needed legal assistance but often were unable to pay; and
Whereas, James was also committed to the advancement and professionalism of the practice of law, serving as President of the Mason County Bar Association, Board of Governors for the West Virginia Bar Association and a career long member of the West Virginia Association for Justice; and
Whereas, James was elected to the House of Delegates in 1982 and 1984, and while serving advocated for the needs of Mason County residents and state citizens, social justice and human rights. He particularly enjoyed his service on the House Judiciary Committee, which in his view was the finest and most deliberative body of the West Virginia Legislature; and
Whereas, James’ legislative service fanned his passion for government affairs, and for the next 35 years, he served in a variety of roles working with the West Virginia Legislature, most notably continuing his advocacy for civil justice working for the West Virginia Association of Justice, and as a long-time lobbyist for the West Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association. In these positions, he fully enjoyed his continued involvement with the Legislature and over the years befriended many members and legislative staff with his good-natured humor, honesty and thoughtful views regarding the issues of the day; and
Whereas, James and his former wife Sylvia were very proud of their two children, John and Marianne, and although they subsequently divorced, remained close and lived near each other in Point Pleasant for many years, which allowed James to remain an important and regular part of his children’s lives; and
Whereas, Sadly West Virginia lost a fine citizen, public servant, a kind, giving and dedicated friend to many, when after a long illness, the Honorable James M. Casey, passed away on October 26, 2018; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates of the West Virginia Legislature:
That the House of Delegates hereby memorializes the life of the Honorable James. M. Casey, father, veteran, public servant, and social justice advocate; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates hereby extends its sincere sympathy at the passing of the Honorable James M. Casey; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable James M. Casey.
