HJR 265

Celebrating the life of Jada Mairin Samitt.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Jada Mairin Samitt, a beloved member of the Richmond community and an advocate for environmental conservation who was working as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery observer, died on January 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Jada Samitt grew up in Richmond, but from a young age cultivated strong ties to the Cape Ann peninsula in Massachusetts, where her mother's family had deep roots; and
WHEREAS, Jada Samitt graduated from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, then continued her education at the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, where she majored in natural resources with a concentration in ecology; and
WHEREAS, after graduation, Jada Samitt was hired by A.I.S., Inc., in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fishery observer, in which capacity she collected ecological data and recorded violations of fishing regulations; and
WHEREAS, in the course of her duties as a fishery observer, Jada Samitt served aboard the Lily Jean, a fishing vessel out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she was respected as a hardworking member of the crew; and
WHEREAS, known for her infectious smile and boundless compassion, Jada Samitt inspired others through her confidence, bravery, and determined spirit; and
WHEREAS, Jada Samitt will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her mother and stepfather, Julie Samitt and Scott Firestine; her father and stepmother, Jeff and Stacey Samitt; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Jada Mairin Samitt, a highly admired resident of Richmond and a respected conservation professional; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Jada Mairin Samitt as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.