Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO CONGRATULATE AND HONOR JAMES A. CHEEK OF SPARTANBURG COUNTY ON A LIFETIME OF PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO EXTEND SINCERE GOOD WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to recognize James A. Cheek of Spartanburg County for his many years of outstanding public and community service; and
Whereas, a native of Spartanburg, James Cheek was born the son of Arthur and Myrtle Cheek and became a 1969 graduate of George Washington Carver High School. There, he served as senior class president and graduation speaker, received numerous honors, and was active in many worthy organizations. His experience as part of a peaceful sit-in at the Spartanburg School District 7 office, which led to his first appearance in a courtroom, sparked his interest in becoming an attorney in order to impact the political system; and
Whereas, during his college years at Wofford College, he was a member of the Student Government Association, newspaper and yearbook staffs, and the Association of African American Students (co-founder). He was also head cheerleader, a member of the Glee Club, served as a Washington intern in the office of U.S. Senator Ernest Hollings, and was employed as a first Black reporter with the Spartanburg Herald-Journal newspaper; and
Whereas, James Cheek attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and worked at Legal Services for three years after graduating. He went into private practice in 1981 before becoming a Spartanburg County public defender; and
Whereas, his accomplishments are impressive and extensive. Among other achievements, he became the first Black member of the Spartanburg County Bar Association, was twice delegate to the state and national Democratic conventions, and served as finance chair of Jesse Jackson's state committee during the latter's campaign for the presidency. His many board positions include service with the State Board for Protection and Advocacy for the Handicapped and the inaugural State Board of Foster Care Review. He served as an adjunct professor at Limestone College and was honored by students as Outstanding Adjunct Professor at Blanton College. Further, he sat on the Mayor's Citizens Advisory Council; and
Whereas, as a man of faith, James Cheek is a member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, where he has served on several boards. In addition, he is a former trustee of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church and Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church; and
Whereas, currently, he is a member of the board of directors for Temple Education Ministries, Soup Kitchen; member of Southside Lions Club Foundation (inaugural president); member and chaplain of Southside Lions Club; and member of Tyger River Correctional Chapel Foundation; and
Whereas, to recognize James Cheek for his many years of service, his community will host a celebration on November 25, 2022, the proceeds of which will go to a scholarship fund in his name; and
Whereas, James A. Cheek is worthy of high commendation for his decades of faithful service to the people of South Carolina, most particularly those of Spartanburg County. The House is grateful for the consistent excellence that always has marked both his public and community service. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate and honor James A. Cheek of Spartanburg County on a lifetime of public and community service and extend sincere good wishes for continued success and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to James A. Cheek.
This web page was last updated on September 27, 2022 at 3:55 PM