The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 341. 

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Representative Robert B. Jones.

            Whereas, The members and staff of this legislative body were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Representative Robert B. Jones, a friend, colleague, and highly devoted public servant. Our prayers go out to his beloved family. We hope that the widespread outpouring of acclaim for his kind and unselfish life may provide some measure of peace to his wife, Callie, and their family; and

            Whereas, Robert Jones's journey began in rural Georgia, amid circumstances far different in many ways from those we know today. From this setting, this talented young man earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry and came north to work at Upjohn in Kalamazoo. In addition to meeting the demands of his profession and his growing family, he immersed himself in civic affairs, including efforts to desegregate local schools. This spark of public-mindedness only grew over the years, and it led to his leadership with the school board and the Kalamazoo City Commission and four terms as mayor; and

            Whereas, Since coming to the Capitol as State Representative for the Sixtieth District in 2007, Representative Jones provided a steadying influence during a period of serious economic challenge. His passion for his community and those most in need in our state earned him the admiration of members of all political or geographical backgrounds. His work in Lansing was highlighted by his accomplishments as the chair of the Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee in 2007-2008 and chair of the Commerce Committee for the current legislature; and

            Whereas, In the wake of Representative Jones's passing, many closest to this true servant of others have remarked on his impact as a mentor, to children, to men and women in his community, to his fellow lawmakers. It is, then, no surprise that, even in his last months, he taught others how best to live in the face of adversity –  with dignity, grace, and strength; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of our dear friend and colleague Representative Robert B. Jones; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Jones family as evidence of our profound sense of loss and our lasting esteem for his memory.