A HOUSE RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of James michael "mike" clampitt, former member of the house of representatives.
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was born on February 17, 1955, in Swain County, North Carolina, to the late Thelma Sawyer Almond, who raised him as a single mother up until she remarried; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt graduated from Swain County High School in 1973, then furthered his education by attending Rowan‑Cabarrus Community College, where he received an associate degree in Fire Science and Technology in 1976; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as a volunteer firefighter for the South Fork Volunteer Fire Department in Forsyth County, North Carolina; and
Whereas, as a volunteer firefighter, James Michael Clampitt completed his law enforcement training and was later sworn in as deputy sheriff in Forsyth County, North Carolina; and
Whereas, during his tenure as a deputy sheriff, James Michael Clampitt was assigned to Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt then became a firefighter in Sanford, North Carolina, and later moved to the Charlotte Fire Department in Mecklenburg County where he served for 27 years earning the rank of Captain; and
Whereas, during his tenure with the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael Clampitt served as Director, Coordinator, and Instructor for Fire and Emergency Services Training through Central Piedmont Community College; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt oversaw the State certification programs, in‑service training, National Fire Academy courses, and emergency preparedness training for firefighters serving the City of Charlotte and volunteer fire departments throughout Mecklenburg County, and where he helped develop the Swift Water Rescue Program; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt commanded several stations in the Charlotte metropolitan area as Captain and ended his career with Charlotte Fire Station 31 in 2004; and
Whereas, after retiring from the Charlotte Fire Department, James Michael Clampitt served two years as Assistant Sergeant‑at‑Arms for the North Carolina General Assembly House of Representatives; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was actively involved in civic and political leadership, serving as Chairman of the Swain County Republican Party and as a member of the Executive Committees of both the North Carolina Republican Party and the Eleventh Congressional District Republican Party; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was first elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives during the 2017‑2018 biennium and, after returning to office in the 2021‑2022 biennium, was subsequently reelected to serve during the 2023‑2024 and 2025‑2026 bienniums, faithfully representing the citizens of House District 119, including Swain, Transylvania, and Jackson Counties and, at various times, portions of Haywood County, for a total of four terms; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt served as chair or vice‑chair of several key legislative committees, including Families, Children, and Aging Policy; Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs; and Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, where he worked to advance policies that strengthened communities across the State; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was a leader within the Western North Carolina Driving While Impaired Task Force, where he advocated for stronger impaired driving laws, supported victims and their families, and worked to make the roads of Western North Carolina safer for all citizens; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt played an active role in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and was recognized by the North Carolina Chamber as a "Jobs Champion" for his support of economic growth and workforce development; and
Whereas, throughout his service in the North Carolina House of Representatives, James Michael Clampitt will be remembered for his unique personality, sense of humor, faith, kindness, and servant's heart; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt dedicated his life to serving others, leading his community with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Western North Carolina, while steadfastly supporting law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, brother, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and
Whereas, James Michael Clampitt is survived by numerous family members, including his uncle, Monty Clampitt of Bryson City, several cousins residing both within and beyond Swain County, and countless friends and colleagues across North Carolina; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the life and memory of James Michael Clampitt and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State, and nation.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathy to the family of James Michael Clampitt for the loss of their beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Principal Clerk shall send a copy of this resolution to the family of James Michael Clampitt.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.