H 1239

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
  SESSION 2025
 H  Simple
  Resolution
  Adopted
  HOUSE RESOLUTION 1239
  Adopted 6/24/26
 Sponsors:      Representatives Bell and Huneycutt (Primary Sponsors).
  For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
 Referred to:   Calendar 6/24/2026
  June 24, 2026
1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JAMES MICHAEL
2     "MIKE" CLAMPITT, FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
3Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was born on February 17, 1955, in Swain County,
4 North Carolina, to the late Thelma Sawyer Almond, who raised him as a single mother up until
5 she remarried; and
6Whereas, James Michael Clampitt graduated from Swain County High School in
7 1973, then furthered his education by attending Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, where he
8 received an associate degree in Fire Science and Technology in 1976; and
9Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as a volunteer firefighter for the South Fork
10 Volunteer Fire Department in Forsyth County, North Carolina; and
11Whereas, as a volunteer firefighter, James Michael Clampitt completed his law
12 enforcement training and was later sworn in as deputy sheriff in Forsyth County, North Carolina;
13 and
14Whereas, during his tenure as a deputy sheriff, James Michael Clampitt was assigned
15 to Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and
16Whereas, James Michael Clampitt then became a firefighter in Sanford, North
17 Carolina, and later moved to the Charlotte Fire Department in Mecklenburg County where he
18 served for 27 years earning the rank of Captain; and
19Whereas, during his tenure with the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael
20 Clampitt served as Director, Coordinator, and Instructor for Fire and Emergency Services
21 Training through Central Piedmont Community College; and
22Whereas, James Michael Clampitt oversaw the State certification programs,
23 in-service training, National Fire Academy courses, and emergency preparedness training for
24 firefighters serving the City of Charlotte and volunteer fire departments throughout Mecklenburg
25 County, and where he helped develop the Swift Water Rescue Program; and
26Whereas, James Michael Clampitt commanded several stations in the Charlotte
27 metropolitan area as Captain and ended his career with Charlotte Fire Station 31 in 2004; and
28Whereas, after retiring from the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael Clampitt
29 served two years as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the North Carolina General Assembly House
30 of Representatives; and
31Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was actively involved in civic and political
32 leadership, serving as Chairman of the Swain County Republican Party and as a member of the
33 Executive Committees of both the North Carolina Republican Party and the Eleventh
34 Congressional District Republican Party; and
  *H1239-v-2*
 General Assembly Of North Carolina  Session 2025
1Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was first elected to the North Carolina House of
2 Representatives during the 2017-2018 biennium and, after returning to office in the 2021-2022
3 biennium, was subsequently reelected to serve during the 2023-2024 and 2025-2026 bienniums,
4 faithfully representing the citizens of House District 119, including Swain, Transylvania, and
5 Jackson Counties and, at various times, portions of Haywood County, for a total of four terms;
6 and
7Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as chair or vice-chair of several key
8 legislative committees, including Families, Children, and Aging Policy; Federal Relations and
9 American Indian Affairs; and Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, where he worked to
10 advance policies that strengthened communities across the State; and
11Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was a leader within the Western North Carolina
12 Driving While Impaired Task Force, where he advocated for stronger impaired driving laws,
13 supported victims and their families, and worked to make the roads of Western North Carolina
14 safer for all citizens; and
15Whereas, James Michael Clampitt played an active role in the recovery efforts
16 following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and was recognized by the North
17 Carolina Chamber as a "Jobs Champion" for his support of economic growth and workforce
18 development; and
19Whereas, throughout his service in the North Carolina House of Representatives,
20 James Michael Clampitt will be remembered for his unique personality, sense of humor, faith,
21 kindness, and servant's heart; and
22Whereas, James Michael Clampitt dedicated his life to serving others, leading his
23 community with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Western
24 North Carolina, while steadfastly supporting law enforcement officers and emergency service
25 personnel; and
26Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was predeceased by his parents, grandparents,
27 brother, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and
28Whereas, James Michael Clampitt is survived by numerous family members,
29 including his uncle, Monty Clampitt of Bryson City, several cousins residing both within and
30 beyond Swain County, and countless friends and colleagues across North Carolina; Now,
31 therefore,
32 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
33SECTION 1. The House of Representatives honors the life and memory of James
34 Michael Clampitt and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State,
35 and nation.
36SECTION 2. The House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathy to the
37 family of James Michael Clampitt for the loss of their beloved family member.
38SECTION 3. The Principal Clerk shall send a copy of this resolution to the family
39 of James Michael Clampitt.
40SECTION 4. This resolution is effective upon adoption.
 Page 2  House Resolution 1239