HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 68

(By Delegate Dillon)

[February 28, 2025; Referred
 to the Committee on Energy and Public Works
then Rules  ]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 30-003/05-016.21  () (30A288), (37.90962, -82.24858) locally known as Breeden Bridge, carrying CR 03/05 over West FK of Twelvepole CK in Mingo County the "Jim Marcum and Airiel Shai Wallace Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, HCR 17 passed in the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature naming the subject bridge the "Ab and Laura Baisden Bridge."  Since that time, Albert E. Baisden, writing on behalf of the Baisden family has said that the bridge at this location should be renamed for Jim Marcum who "was a pillar of the community in that area, and very deserving of the honor"; and

Whereas, Jim Marcum, born November 18, 1934, and raised in Breeden , Mingo County, West Virginia. He spent his life here with the exception of 17 years that, he lived in Columbus, Ohio and worked at Buckeye Steel. Jim was an entrepreneur, starting several businesses. He was a major landowner, loved being in politics, served for a time as the Mingo County State Road supervisor. He did business with several mining companies. Jim was married to Gail Booth Marcum, he was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather to all his babies.  Jim Marcum died October 1, 2018; and

Whereas, Airiel Shai Wallace, granddaughter of Jim Marcum, born to Chastity and Mike Nichols on November 10, 1989, at Logan, West Virginia. Airiel rededicated her life to God after he granted her a miracle disguised as a stroke.  Airiel was an amazing artist, whether it was painting on canvas, creating items with paper mâché or nail art or makeup.  She was active in her church after recovering from a stroke.  She was loved by the members of her community and never met a stranger who did not  became a friend.  She died on June 17, 2021 at age 31; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Jim Marcum and his granddaughter Airiel Wallace their contributions to our state and community; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name Bridge Number: 30-003/05-016.21  () (30A288), (37.90962, -82.24858) locally known as Breeden Bridge, carrying CR 03/05 over West FK of Twelvepole CK in Mingo County the "Jim Marcum and Airiel Shai Wallace Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Jim Marcum and Airiel Shai Wallace Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.