---
title: HR 40. Schofield, James; life, legacy, and 87th birthday; celebrate
collection: bills
id: 2026-special/hr40
cite_as: HR 40, 2026 Special Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr40
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr40.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr40/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74900
date: 2026-06-22
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr39.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr41.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md
omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 131
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr40.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 40
session: 2026 Special Session
session_slug: 2026-special
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-06-22
last_action: House Read and Adopted
sponsors:
  - Kim Schofield
  - Sandra Scott
  - Rhonda Burnough
  - Viola Davis
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR40/2026/X1
upstream_id: 2154466
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - ceremonial resolution
  - Georgia House of Representatives
  - community recognition
  - small business
---

# HR 40. Schofield, James; life, legacy, and 87th birthday; celebrate

## Text

House Resolution 40EX
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, Burnough of the 77th, and Davis
of the 87th
A RESOLUTION
Celebrating the life, legacy, and 87th birthday of James Schofield; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments and
enduring contributions of distinguished individuals be recognized and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, James Schofield, born on August 23, 1939, in Camden, South Carolina, has
lived a life characterized by determination, entrepreneurship, and a strong commitment to
family; and
WHEREAS, after migrating to New Rochelle, New York, he became known for his
dedication to hard work, integrity, and uplifting others through both professional and
business endeavors; and
WHEREAS, he is the proud father of Georgia State Representative Kim Schofield (D-63)
and has inspired future generations to pursue excellence, leadership, and service to others;
and
WHEREAS, James Schofield's career spanned more than 15 years of service to Xerox
Corporation, where he worked in the Minority Diversity Supplier Program and helped
H. R. 40EX
expand opportunities for inclusion, professional advancement, and economic empowerment;
and
WHEREAS, he has long been recognized as a supporter of family-owned businesses and
played an instrumental role in the legacy of Scobie's Restaurant in Harlem, New York, a
cherished gathering place that celebrated culture, community, and the rich traditions of soul
food cuisine; and
WHEREAS, in April 1996, he furthered that legacy by opening Scobie's Restaurant in
Piscataway, New Jersey, becoming the area's first soul food restaurant and creating a
welcoming destination that brought together families, friends, and neighbors through food,
fellowship, and cultural pride; and
WHEREAS, throughout his life, James Schofield has exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit,
demonstrating that business ownership can serve as a vehicle for community development,
cultural preservation, and economic opportunity; and
WHEREAS, his life story reflects the values of perseverance, resilience, vision, and
generosity, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives of his family,
friends, colleagues, customers, and community members; and
WHEREAS, as he celebrates his 87th birthday, it is appropriate to recognize not only his
many accomplishments but also the profound impact he has had on those around him and the
legacy he continues to build.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body join in celebrating the 87th birthday of James Schofield, honor his
H. R. 40EX
remarkable life and achievements, and express their sincere appreciation for his contributions
to his family, profession, and community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to James
Schofield.
H. R. 40EX

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

A Georgia House resolution honors James Schofield, father of Representative Kim Schofield, on his 87th birthday, celebrating his business career and community contributions.

### Plain-language summary

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives celebrates the life and 87th birthday of James Schofield, a longtime entrepreneur and father of State Representative Kim Schofield of the 63rd District. It recounts his career, including more than 15 years at Xerox Corporation working on minority supplier diversity programs, and his role in building Scobie's Restaurant, a soul food establishment with locations in Harlem, New York and Piscataway, New Jersey.
The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states that the House recognizes his accomplishments and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to James Schofield.

### What it does

- Formally recognizes and celebrates James Schofield's 87th birthday and life achievements on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
- Recounts his career history, including his work at Xerox Corporation and his role in Scobie's Restaurant in Harlem and Piscataway.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to James Schofield.
- Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is a ceremonial statement of appreciation.

### Who it affects

The resolution directly names James Schofield and his family, including his daughter State Representative Kim Schofield. It has no regulatory effect on the public, businesses, or government agencies since it is a ceremonial honor rather than binding legislation.

### Why it matters

While the resolution carries no legal or financial consequences, it represents an official public recognition by the Georgia House of Representatives of an individual's life and contributions, a common legislative practice for honoring constituents and their families.

### Key provisions

- The resolution's whereas clauses describe James Schofield's birth, career at Xerox Corporation, and role in founding and expanding Scobie's Restaurant.
- The resolved clause states the House's celebration of his birthday and appreciation for his contributions to family, profession, and community.
- A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to James Schofield.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-06-22)
- Last action: House Read and Adopted (2026-06-22)
- Sponsors: Kim Schofield, Sandra Scott, Rhonda Burnough, Viola Davis
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74900

> The history, votes, and amendments (131 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr40.md?full=1