1 SJR115
2 213747-2
3 By Senators Allen, Singleton, Reed, Albritton, Barfoot,
4 Beasley, Butler, Chambliss, Chesteen, Coleman-Madison, Dunn,
5 Elliott, Figures, Givhan, Gudger, Hatcher, Holley, Jones,
6 Livingston, Marsh, McClendon, Melson, Orr, Price, Roberts,
7 Sanders-Fortier, Scofield, Sessions, Shelnutt, Smitherman,
8 Stutts, Waggoner, Whatley and Williams
9 RFD:
10 First Read: 27-APR-21
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1 SJR115
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3
4 ENROLLED, SJR115,
5 HONORING JUDGE JOHN H. ENGLAND, JR. FOR PROFESSIONAL
6 ACHIEVEMENTS.
7
8 WHEREAS, it is a privilege to highly honor
9 Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Judge John H. England, Jr. for
10 serving on the judicial bench for 28 dedicated years; and
11 WHEREAS, Judge England was born in Uniontown,
12 Alabama; and
13 WHEREAS, while attending Tuskegee University, the
14 Civil Rights Movement inspired Judge England to pursue a
15 career in law; in 1969, he graduated with a Bachelor of
16 Science Degree in Chemistry; thereafter, he attended The
17 University of Alabama Law School but was only able to complete
18 one year before being drafted into the United States Army
19 during the Vietnam War, where he served as a Military
20 Policeman for two years; after his service, he returned to The
21 University of Alabama Law School, where he earned his Law
22 Degree in 1974; after graduation, he worked as an attorney,
23 and in 1985, along with former State Senator Charles Steele,
24 was one of two of the first African Americans elected to the
25 Tuscaloosa City Council, where he served two terms, chairing
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1 the Finance and Community Development Committees; Judge
2 England was appointed to the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
3 in 1993 and was elected to a full term the following year; in
4 1999, he received an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from
5 Tuskegee University; that same year, he was appointed by the
6 Governor to the Alabama Supreme Court, where he served until
7 2001; he then returned to the Circuit Court of Tuscaloosa
8 County in 2001; and
9 WHEREAS, some of Judge England's additional
10 incredible achievements over the years include being the first
11 African American University of Alabama Law School graduate to
12 witness his three children, John H. England, III, U.S.
13 Magistrate Judge for the Northern District in Alabama; April
14 England Albright, Civil Rights Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia;
15 and Christopher England, Assistant City Attorney in
16 Tuscaloosa, member of the Alabama House of Representatives,
17 and Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, also graduate
18 from The University of Alabama Law School; serving on the
19 Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama; being the
20 first African American to have a dormitory on The University
21 of Alabama's campus named after him, John H. England, Jr.
22 Hall, on February 8, 2019, where The University of Alabama
23 President Stuart R. Bell stated, "It is a privilege to
24 announce the naming of our newest freshman residence hall in
25 tribute to the Honorable Judge John England, Jr., whose life
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1 of influence has made a lasting impact on this community, The
2 University of Alabama, and citizens of the entire state. Judge
3 England serves as a wonderful example to others, and his
4 insights, experience, and untiring compassion for UA students,
5 faculty, staff, and the citizens of Alabama reflect the
6 mission of the UA System to impact others through excellence
7 in teaching, research, and service"; being inducted into the
8 Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame in 2006; serving as State
9 President of Alabama New South Coalition; serving on the Board
10 of Directors of various organizations, including Boys and
11 Girls Clubs, Barnes Branch YMCA, Community Services Program of
12 West Alabama, Theatre Tuscaloosa, and many others; and serving
13 as a Trustee and as a member of the male chorus at his church,
14 Bailey Tabernacle, C.M.E. Church; and
15 WHEREAS, Judge England has stated, "I have come to
16 value that you can learn something from any person, if you are
17 listening. Many people who came before my court have later
18 attested, 'I was heard', including some individuals I had
19 ruled against"; and
20 WHEREAS, Judge England has seven grandchildren, Ty,
21 Jay, Jelani, Autumn, Alexandria, Kennedi, and Christopher,
22 Jr.; and
23 WHEREAS, for nearly three decades, Judge England has
24 served diligently, bringing justice into many people's lives;
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1 a remarkable man, he is indeed an inspiration and a natural
2 leader; now therefore,
3 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
4 HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That Tuscaloosa County Circuit
5 Judge John H. England, Jr. is warmly honored and commended for
6 his 28 years of committed service, and this resolution hereby
7 serves as a tribute to him with utmost gratitude and
8 admiration, along with sincere best wishes for continued
9 success and happiness during his retirement.
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1
2
3
4 President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
5
6 Speaker of the House of Representatives
7 SJR115
8 Senate 27-APR-21
9 I hereby certify that the within Senate Joint Resolution
10 originated in and was adopted by the Senate.
11
12 Patrick Harris,
13 Secretary.
14
15
16
17 House of Representatives
18 Adopted: 06-MAY-21
19
20
21 By: Senator Allen
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