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Celebrating the life of James Patrick Guy II.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 16, 2026
WHEREAS, James Patrick Guy II, a respected attorney, a trusted leader within the Commonwealth's electric cooperative community and a former president of the Virginia Bar Association, died on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family; and
WHEREAS, born in San Jose, California, James “Jim” Guy lived a life shaped by curiosity, service, and global perspective, residing in locations across the United States and Europe, including New Jersey, Paris, Belgium, Germany, Fairfax, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Saxe in Charlotte County; and
WHEREAS, a proud alumnus of the University of Virginia, Jim Guy earned his bachelor's degree in 1987 and his law degree in 1990, becoming a “double 'Hoo” whose professional life reflected the highest ideals of the legal profession; and
WHEREAS, Jim Guy devoted his legal career to the service of others, with a particular focus on representing the Commonwealth's rural electric cooperatives and advancing the rule of law, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike for his intellect, integrity, and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Jim Guy served with distinction as the 128th president of the Virginia Bar Association, following years of dedicated leadership within the organization, including strengthening sections, expanding membership, and mentoring fellow attorneys across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim Guy was a gifted musician and passionate performer who, beginning in 1995, fronted the Irish American pub band Uisce Beatha, which became a cherished fixture in Richmond for decades through its regular performances at Rare Olde Times Pub and at numerous community and charitable events; and
WHEREAS, deeply guided by his Catholic faith, Jim Guy was invested in 2018 as a Knight of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta, and was also a Knight of Columbus and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, fellowship, and spiritual life; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has lost a dedicated public servant; the legal profession has lost a leader and mentor; the music community has lost a joyful ambassador; and all who knew Jim Guy have lost a true friend; and
WHEREAS, above all, Jim Guy cherished his family, and of his many accomplishments and honors, his most treasured role was “Jimmy,” the name lovingly given to him by his granddaughters; and
WHEREAS, Jim Guy will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 35 years, Judith; his children, Callaghan, Seamus, and Mairead, and their families; his mother, Dorothy; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 James Patrick Guy II, a towering figure in the Commonwealth's legal and electric cooperative communities whose life embodied service, creativity, faith, and love; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Patrick Guy II as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.