HR380: HR380 Gant, James and Patricia; retirement; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes James Gant, who spent 46 years with State Farm and became the first African American to open a State Farm agency in Columbus, Georgia, in 1983, and his wife Patricia, who served as his office manager for 41 years. The resolution formally commends the couple for their service, congratulates them on their retirement, which both completed on July 31, 2024, and wishes them continued health and happiness. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for the Gants to keep as a memento.

• Formally recognizes and commends James and Patricia Gant for their decades of service to State Farm Insurance Company.
• Congratulates the couple on their joint retirement, which took place on July 31, 2024.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the Gants.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic honor with no binding legal effect.

The resolution directly names and honors James and Patricia Gant of Columbus, Georgia. It has no regulatory or financial effect on any other individuals, businesses, or government agencies.

This resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians; it is a formal, ceremonial gesture by the House of Representatives to publicly honor two individuals' careers and mark a personal milestone, their retirement, in the official legislative record.

• The whereas clauses describe James Gant's 46-year State Farm career, including opening the first African American owned State Farm agency in Columbus in 1983.
• The whereas clauses describe Patricia Gant's 41 years as office manager, ending with the couple's joint retirement on July 31, 2024.
• The resolving clause formally commends the couple and extends congratulations and well wishes.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to James and Patricia Gant.

1. 2025-02-24House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-24House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-24House Hopper (House)

• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)Primary sponsor
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)

• legislative commendation
• Columbus Georgia
• State Farm
• retirement honor