HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 34

(By Delegates Wysong, Tabb and Doyle)




Commemorating the passing of Dr. James M. Moler, noted educator, state legislator and civic leader who died on August 8, 2005, at the age of ninety-five, leaving behind a rich legacy for Jefferson County and the State of West Virginia.

Whereas , Dr. James M. Moler was born on January 27, 1910, in Jefferson County, West Virginia, where he remained a lifelong resident; and
Whereas , Dr. James M. Moler attended Jefferson County schools, then went on to obtain a teaching certificate from Shepherd College, an A.B. degree from Berea College, a Masters degree from Duke University, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Virginia; and
whereas, Dr. James M. Moler served Jefferson County and the State of West Virginia as a public school principal, college administrator and professor, and held numerous other positions in the field of education; and
whereas, Dr. James M. Moler made many important contributions in the field of education in West Virginia, including organizing the first Regional Educational Service Agency(RESA) in the eastern panhandle and serving as its initial director, serving as president of the West Virginia School Principals Association, serving as president of the West Virginia Educational Association, and organizing the Shepherd College Foundation and serving as its director; and
whereas, Dr. James M. Moler made important contributions to Jefferson County and the State of West Virginia while serving as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, including championing the "one delegate district" concept that brought legislative redistricting reforms, and sponsoring the first legislation to share betting proceeds from the horse racing industry with Jefferson County; and
whereas, Dr. James M. Moler made numerous other civic contributions to Jefferson County and beyond, including serving as international president of the Kiwanis, serving on the West Virginia Centennial Commission, and serving as chairman of the trustees of Asbury United Methodist Church; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That regret is hereby expressed by the members at the passing of Dr. James M. Moler, noted educator, state legislator and civic leader who died on August 8, 2005, at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy for Jefferson County and the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to Dr. James M. Moler's beloved wife of 70 years, Katherine Watson Moler.