Honor Mike Clampitt.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H Simple
Resolution
Adopted
HOUSE RESOLUTION 1239
Adopted 6/24/26

Sponsors: Representatives Bell and Huneycutt (Primary Sponsors).
For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to: Calendar 6/24/2026
June 24, 2026
*H1239-v-2*
A HOUSE RESOLUTION H ONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JAMES MIC HAEL 1
"MIKE" CLAMPITT, FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 2
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was born on February 17, 1955, in Swain County, 3
North Carolina, to the late Thelma Sawyer Almond, who raised him as a single mother up until 4
she remarried; and 5
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt graduated from Swain County High School in 6
1973, then furthered his education by attending Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he 7
received an associate degree in Fire Science and Technology in 1976; and 8
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as a volunteer firefighter for the South Fork 9
Volunteer Fire Department in Forsyth County, North Carolina; and 10
Whereas, as a volunteer firefighter, James Michael Cl ampitt completed his law 11
enforcement training and was later sworn in as deputy sheriff in Forsyth County, North Carolina; 12
and 13
Whereas, during his tenure as a deputy sheriff, James Michael Clampitt was assigned 14
to Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and 15
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt then became a firefighter in Sanford, North 16
Carolina, and later moved to the Charlotte Fire Department in Mecklenburg County where he 17
served for 27 years earning the rank of Captain; and 18
Whereas, during his tenure with the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael 19
Clampitt served as Director, Coordinator, and Instructor for Fire and Emergency Services 20
Training through Central Piedmont Community College; and 21
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt oversaw the State ce rtification programs, 22
in-service training, National Fire Academy courses, and emergency preparedness training for 23
firefighters serving the City of Charlotte and volunteer fire departments throughout Mecklenburg 24
County, and where he helped develop the Swift Water Rescue Program; and 25
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt commanded several stations in the Charlotte 26
metropolitan area as Captain and ended his career with Charlotte Fire Station 31 in 2004; and 27
Whereas, after retiring from the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael Clampitt 28
served two years as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the North Carolina General Assembly House 29
of Representatives; and 30
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was actively involved in civic and political 31
leadership, serving as Chairman of the Swain County Republican Party and as a member of the 32
Executive Committees of both the North Carolina Republican Party and the Eleventh 33
Congressional District Republican Party; and 34
General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 House Resolution 1239
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was first elected to the North Carolina Hou se of 1
Representatives during the 2017-2018 biennium and, after returning to office in the 2021 -2022 2
biennium, was subsequently reelected to serve during the 2023-2024 and 2025-2026 bienniums, 3
faithfully representing the citizens of House District 119, incl uding Swain, Transylvania, and 4
Jackson Counties and, at various times, portions of Haywood County, for a total of four terms; 5
and 6
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as chair or vice -chair of several key 7
legislative committees, including Families, Child ren, and Aging Policy; Federal Relations and 8
American Indian Affairs; and Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, where he worked to 9
advance policies that strengthened communities across the State; and 10
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was a leader with in the Western North Carolina 11
Driving While Impaired Task Force, where he advocated for stronger impaired driving laws, 12
supported victims and their families, and worked to make the roads of Western North Carolina 13
safer for all citizens; and 14
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt played an active role in the recovery efforts 15
following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and was recognized by the North 16
Carolina Chamber as a "Jobs Champion" for his support of economic growth and workforce 17
development; and 18
Whereas, throughout his service in the North Carolina House of Representatives, 19
James Michael Clampitt will be remembered for his unique personality, sense of humor, faith, 20
kindness, and servant's heart; and 21
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt dedicated his life t o serving others, leading his 22
community with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Western 23
North Carolina, while steadfastly supporting law enforcement officers and emergency service 24
personnel; and 25
Whereas, James Michael Clampi tt was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, 26
brother, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and 27
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt is survived by numerous family members, 28
including his uncle, Monty Clampitt of Bryson City, several cousins residing both within and 29
beyond Swain County, and countless friends and colleagues across North Carolina; Now, 30
therefore, 31
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives: 32
SECTION 1. The House of Representatives honors the life and memory of James 33
Michael Clampitt and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State, 34
and nation. 35
SECTION 2. The House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathy to the 36
family of James Michael Clampitt for the loss of their beloved family member. 37
SECTION 3. The Principal Clerk shall send a copy of this resolution to the family 38
of James Michael Clampitt. 39
SECTION 4. This resolution is effective upon adoption. 40