A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JOSEPH "JOE" ROBERT JOHN, SR., Longtime MEMBER of the house of representatives IN THE north carolina GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., was born on Thursday, October 12, 1939, to Joseph Andrew John and Stephanie Ann John in East Chicago, Indiana; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., received a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Political Science, a master's degree in Comparative Literature, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
Whereas, upon completing his education and becoming a three‑time alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Joseph Robert John, Sr., remained an avid, lifelong fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, celebrating many Tar Heel victories in Kenan Stadium and the Dean Dome; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., assisted indigent clients upon assuming his first position as a lawyer with the Greensboro Legal Aid Foundation, before subsequently working as an Assistant District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney, and as a litigation attorney for Pell, Pell, Weston and John; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., had a highly distinguished career in public service which spanned the highest levels of the government of North Carolina across all three branches, serving as Director of the State Crime Lab, Acting Commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, and Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was a highly capable public servant who dedicated his time, energy, and talents to the betterment of the State, representing North Carolina House District 40 in Wake County in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025; and
Whereas, while serving in the legislature, Joseph Robert John, Sr., focused on Criminal Justice, Judicial Elections, Public Transportation, and Education. He served on numerous committees, including Appropriations; Appropriations – Justice and Public Safety; Education – Community Colleges; Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform; Judiciary 3; Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House; and Transportation; and
Whereas, while serving in the legislature, Joseph Robert John, Sr., participated in various caucuses across several different areas of interest, including the Bipartisan Safety and Criminal Justice Caucus, the Early Childhood Caucus, the Economic Development and Foreign Trade Caucus, the Joint Caucus on Arts and Arts Education, and the Life Science Caucus; and
Whereas, among his many contributions to improving the State of North Carolina, Joseph Robert John, Sr., served on the North Carolina Courts Commission and was appointed to chair the Commission by Governor Roy Cooper; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was an effective advocate for several important election initiatives, including filing bills to create a nonpartisan redistricting commission and nonpartisan judicial elections; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was a primary sponsor of numerous bills that became law and have a significant impact on the workings of the judiciary and the criminal justice system; and
Whereas, the colleagues of Joseph Robert John, Sr., in the House of Representatives held him in the highest regard, listening to and depending on his wisdom and experience to seek to improve the workings of the judiciary and the criminal justice system; and
Whereas, in the eight years he represented House District 40, Joseph Robert John, Sr., consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the people of North Carolina and held the service of his constituents as a top priority, tirelessly advocating for their well‑being—one of the many qualities that made him a much beloved legislator by his colleagues and the hundreds of thousands of people that he helped; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., has been a champion of justice and equity, standing firm in his dedication to ethical governance and the principles of the rule of law; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., upheld the highest standards of dignity and respect in public service, conducting himself with grace and humility throughout his public service career; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., provided thoughtful and principled leadership, using his extensive knowledge and wisdom to address the most pressing challenges facing the State; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues and constituents through his unwavering integrity; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., served as an active member of the North Carolina and Wake County Bar Associations and served on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the Leesville Road High School Pride Athletic Association, the Greensboro Center for Creative Arts, Family and Children's Services of Greater Greensboro, and the North Carolina Forensic Science Advisory Board; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was honored by the North Carolina State Bar with the "Fifty Years of Service" award; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., was recognized for significant contributions to his State and community, receiving the highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Governor Jim Hunt; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, after a lifetime of working on behalf of the people of his community and the State; and
Whereas, Governor Josh Stein proclaimed that the flags of North Carolina be lowered to half‑staff on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in mourning for and recognition of the exemplary life of Joseph Robert John, Sr.; and
Whereas, Joseph Robert John, Sr., is survived by a devoted family, including his wife of 42 years, Evelyn John; his children and their spouses, Steffi John Briley, Joseph Andrew "Andy" John II and his wife Allison, and Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Jr., and his wife Julie; his grandchildren, Lessie Ann, Annabelle, Aden, Ella, Remy, Dagny, and Samantha; his siblings, Andrea Webb and her husband Gary, and their three sons, and the Hon. Steven John and his wife Susan, and their son; and several other close family members; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives recognizes and expresses its appreciation for the public service rendered by Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., which has contributed to the betterment of the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives extends its sincerest sympathy to the family of Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr., in the loss of one of its most distinguished and outstanding members.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Joseph "Joe" Robert John, Sr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.