Celebrating the life of the Honorable Thomas Selby Ellis III.
Senate Joint Resolution 42 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and career of the Honorable Thomas Selby Ellis III of Keswick, Virginia, who died on July 30, 2025. The resolution recounts his upbringing abroad, education at Princeton, service as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and legal training at Harvard Law School and Oxford. It also highlights his early work as a litigator in Richmond and his appointment in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The resolution emphasizes Judge Ellis’s nearly 38 years on the federal bench, describing him as a respected jurist known for his strong courtroom presence, efficiency in the “Rocket Docket,” and mentorship of law clerks and attorneys. It also notes his role in presiding over naturalization ceremonies and his appreciation for the significance of citizenship. The measure concludes by directing the Clerk of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to his family as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and sympathy.
SJ42 does not change state law, create new rights, or appropriate funds; it is a ceremonial joint resolution. Its legal effect is limited to formally recording the General Assembly’s condolences and recognition of Judge Ellis’s service, and to authorizing delivery of the resolution to his family. The bill affects no statutes or regulatory programs and has no direct policy impact on state agencies, courts, or private parties.
The sentiment surrounding SJ42 is uniformly respectful and mournful. The resolution itself is laudatory, portraying Judge Ellis as an accomplished attorney, decorated veteran, and highly regarded federal judge who contributed significantly to Virginia’s legal community. The available legislative record shows no recorded opposition, committee controversy, or divided vote, consistent with a noncontroversial memorial resolution that passed both chambers.
There is no notable contention in the available record. Because SJ42 is a memorial resolution honoring a deceased public servant, it does not present policy disagreements, fiscal disputes, or statutory interpretation issues. The only substantive content is the General Assembly’s expression of admiration for Judge Ellis’s military service, legal career, and mentorship, which appears to have been broadly shared.