House of Del. Clerk Bruce Jamerson dies

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Bruce Jamerson, for 20 years the clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates , has died. He was 53.

An aide to House Speaker William J. Howell says Jamerson died Sunday. G. Paul Nardo says the cause of death was not immediately known.

Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller says Jamerson was alone at the time, prompting an investigation of its circumstances by the agency.

In his official role as clerk of the House and keeper of the rolls of the commonwealth since Oct. 15, 1991, Jamerson played an indispensable procedural role in how laws are made in Virginia.

He and the staff he oversaw kept track of thousands of bills annually that work their way through the General Assembly's system of subcommittees, committees, parliamentary maneuvers and floor votes.

Statements from local lawmakers on Jamerson's passing:

"Our hearts are heavy today with word of the death of House of Delegates Clerk Bruce Jamerson. Bruce was a friend to all of us, no matter what political label we wore. More importantly, he was a consummate professional.

He loved Jefferson's House, he adored his family and he was a true professional as Clerk of the House for the past 20 years.

The pain reverberates through all of us as we each hold fond memories of our first encounters-from a crash course in House of Delegates protocol to his genuine interest in our families.

Every member of the House of Delegates was his extended family. He sent us birthday cards and even sent cards to our spouses on their birthdays. Each year Bruce hosted a session dinner for the female members of the House of Delegates. We always looked forward to our gathering with Bruce. We traded stories, shared laughs and always walked away grateful knowing that the House was in such professional hands.

His loss is immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, including his wife Elizabeth and daughter, Ainslee.

As we gavel into session today, there will be a huge void in our Virginia House."  ~ Delegate Paula Miller

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"Bruce Jamerson was a State Capitol institution. He knew the history of Jefferson's Capitol, the Square that surrounded it and the individuals who worked in it, better than anyone else. He loved his work, and he loved our Commonwealth.

I had known Bruce for 20 years. When I first came to Richmond in 1992, he helped a young delegate from Virginia Beach learn his way around. 18 years later, he did the same for our incoming gubernatorial administration. Bruce was a resource who everyone knew they could count on. He could explain every matter of protocol, tell you exactly who was best to assist with any project, and was always able to make clear the reasoning behind the Virginia State Capitol's many traditions. I knew, and so did my staff, that if you had a question you could just call Bruce. He would always have the right answer.

Bruce leaves behind many reminders of his remarkable life. When you look at the State Capitol you will see an historic building made even more timeless, accessible and remarkable thanks to his dedication to the restoration efforts from 2004-2007. Countless young men have benefited from Bruce's wisdom and insights passed on through his leadership with the Boy Scouts and Boys State. His was a life of substance, character and meaning. Bruce will be deeply missed. Our memories of him will be forever cherished.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bruce's wife Elizabeth, and his daughter Ainslee, during this difficult time. We will all miss Bruce Jamerson. The Commonwealth has lost a devoted son." ~  Governor Bob McDonnell

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"On behalf of the Virginia House of Delegates, I express our tremendous grief and sorrow at the death of not only a distinguished and respected professional but our dear friend Bruce Jamerson.

As Clerk of the House of Delegates for 20 years, Bruce embodied so much of what is good and noble about public service. He was a consummate professional who understood well that the first rule of success is hard work. That he always did without fail, with a warm and friendly demeanor and out of an abiding respect for every member, staff colleague or visitor to Mr. Jefferson's Capitol. Indeed, all who had the honor of knowing or the pleasure of working with Bruce recognized quickly that his life-long commitment to service was motivated in no small part by the infectious pride he took in being part of the fabric of Mr. Jefferson's "temple on the hill." His dedicated leadership in the 2004-2007 restoration of Virginia's historic State Capitol is a lasting legacy for which we and future generations can enjoy and thank him.

By any measure, Bruce Jamerson led a remarkable life of contribution and service. His stewardship of the Virginia Capitol Foundation, dedication to the Boy Scouts of America, participation in the American Legion's Virginia Boys State program and his active commitment to his church are but a few of the many ways that Bruce gave back to that in which