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Celebrating the life of the Honorable James A. Davis.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 24, 2026
WHEREAS, the Honorable James A. Davis, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and president emeritus of Shenandoah University, died on October 7, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a native of Marion, James “Jim” A. Davis earned degrees from Ferrum College, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Florida State University, and served in leadership roles at Ferrum College before representing the residents of the Counties of Bedford, Franklin, and Rockbridge and surrounding localities in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1979 to 1982; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Jim Davis became the 15th president of Shenandoah College and Conservatory, later Shenandoah University, serving for 26 years and guiding the institution through a period of remarkable academic growth, expanded enrollment, campus development, and strengthened athletics and student life; and
WHEREAS, beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim Davis was devoted to civic, charitable, and faith-based service, supporting organizations such as the Evans Home for Children in Winchester, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Foundation, the Manatee Community Foundation, Roanoke Area Ministries, the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, and the Southwest Virginia District of the Presbyterian Church in an advisory capacity; and
WHEREAS, Jim Davis' leadership, vision, and generosity of spirit strengthened Shenandoah University, enriched the Winchester community and the Shenandoah Valley, and positively influenced countless students, colleagues, and citizens across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Jim Davis will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Janet; their children, Barclay, Andrew, and Stephanie, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable James A. Davis, a distinguished public servant and higher education leader whose life of service left a lasting impact on the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable James A. Davis as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.