2026 House Resolution 278

Whereas, The members of this legislative body were greatly saddened to learn about the passing of Terry London, who represented the St. Clair area for 12 years. His service to the people of St. Clair County and the state of Michigan will be remembered; and

Whereas, Terry London was born and raised in Port Huron, graduating from Port Huron High School in 1958. He attended St. Clair County Community College for a year before joining the United States Navy in 1959, where he would serve as a sonarman for four years. Following his military service, Terry worked as a customer service representative for the Detroit Edison Company, a position he would ultimately hold for 35 years. His experience also included international marketing and work as a cash crop farmer, a dairy farmer, and the owner and operator of London’s Deli. Terry London married Gertrude “Ann” Jokie in 1980, and they had two children, Jeffrey and Lisa; and

Whereas, Terry was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1984, defeating the incumbent, James Docherty, in the election for the Seventy-sixth District. Two years later, James Docherty defeated Terry in his bid for re-election, and Terry returned to his work for Detroit Edison while simultaneously serving as the chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party. Terry unseated James again in 1988, returning to the House of Representatives to serve for another five terms. Following redistricting, Terry represented the Eighty-first District, which followed the eastern border of the state farther north and included the city of Port Huron. He finally departed from the House due to term limits. During his tenure, Terry would serve as chair of the Committee on Transportation, co-vice chair of the Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, minority vice chair of the Committee on Consumers and the Committee on Senior Citizens and Retirement, and a member of the committees on Agriculture, Forestry and Minerals; Economic Development and Energy; Education; Human Services and Children; Insurance; and Tourism and Recreation. A leader on multiple policy initiatives, Terry negotiated legislation to allow individuals and employers to establish tax-deductible medical savings accounts, increase the speed limit on freeways while maintaining respect for motorist safety, and increase the gasoline tax to fund improvements to the roads; and

Whereas, Following his service in the Legislature, Terry returned to his work for Detroit Edison but did not end his career in public service. He went on to hold a position in the Department of Education, and he was elected to the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. A long-time member of First United Methodist Church, Terry was also highly involved in his community, being a charter member of the Marysville Morning Optimist Club and serving as manager of Clyde Township baseball for seven years, treasurer of Blue Water Festival, Inc., for five years, and a volunteer for the United Way of St. Clair County, the Visiting Nurses Association, and the March of Dimes. Terry was particularly active in the Jaycees. He served on the executive board of the Port Huron Jaycees for two years, helped to charter the Marysville Jaycees, and was named Jaycee of the Year two years in a row; and

Whereas, Terry London is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ann; their two children, Jeffrey and Lisa; three step-children, Sheri, Shelly, and Sean; and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. We offer our condolences to his loved ones as they mourn his loss; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Terry London, a member of the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1986 and from 1989 to 1998; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the London family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.