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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR EDWARD LEROY JAMES OF LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA FOR HIS SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AND OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
Whereas, born in Darlington County on May 10, 1960, Edward Leroy James is the son of Ruth James and Edward Lyde; and
Whereas, young Edward's education began in Society Hill at Rosenwald Elementary School and then St. David's Academy preparatory school. Mr. James graduated from Rosenwald High School in 1979; and
Whereas, during his high school years, Mr. James excelled in basketball and received honors as an acclaimed All-Conference and All-State athlete. By his senior year, he had grown to a monumental six feet, eight inches in height and had captured the attention of several college teams. He received scholarship offers from numerous prestigious colleges and universities, including Frances Marion University, Clemson University, Gardner Webb University, Coker College, and The Citadel. After careful consideration, Mr. James committed to The Citadel where he played for two years before transferring to Fayetteville State University (FSU) in 1983; and
Whereas, while at FSU, Edward James was named All Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for three consecutive years, 1984 through 1986. He played the position of forward and was one of the team leaders in scoring and rebounding. During his college years, he maintained his status as an outstanding player, even as he competed against many notable opponents who went on to gain fame in the NBA, some of which include Charles Oakley (Chicago Bulls), Ken Bannister (New York Knicks), David Pope (Sacramento Kings), and Larry Nance (Phoenix Suns); and
Whereas, in 1986, Mr. James left FSU to play professional basketball for a year in Argentina; and
Whereas, answering the call of his country, this patriotic American joined the United States Army and served our great nation for four years. After completing his tour in the Army, Mr. James returned to Lexington, North Carolina, where he became active in his church and community; and
Whereas, in late 2015, Mr. James began experiencing serious medical problems, was in and out of the hospital for the next two and a half years, and eventually had to have both of his legs amputated due to complications he was experiencing; and
Whereas, Mr. James is the proud father of three children: son, Esias and daughters, TeAra and Tiana; and
Whereas, despite his health challenges, Edward James remains a mountain of a man. His family, friends and community honor him for his service to the country and his outstanding athletic achievements, he is known to be a great friend, military veteran, beloved father, and a true champion. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Edward Leroy James of Lexington, North Carolina, for his service to his country and outstanding athletic achievements and to wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the days ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Edward Leroy James.
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