SR628 - In memory of former state representative James R. Pitts.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 628       In Memory   of   James Pitts            WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an esteemed legislator and   dear friend to many with the passing of longtime state   representative James R. Pitts of Waxahachie on July 20, 2024, at   the age of 77; and          WHEREAS, Born to Agnes and Roy Pitts in Dallas on   January 1, 1947, Jim Pitts grew up with an older sister,   Rosemary, and identical twin, John; he completed his   undergraduate and master's degrees in business administration at   Southern Methodist University and earned his law degree from SMU   as well; on May 22, 1971, he married the former Evelyn Eastham,   and they settled in her hometown, Waxahachie; they were blessed   with two daughters, Duffy and Ashley, and a son, Ryan; the couple   shared a fulfilling relationship until the untimely death of Mrs.   Pitts in 2004; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts was employed as an associate at the law   office of Lynn G. Griffith before opening his own firm in 1984; in   addition, he owned Ellis County Title Company and served as board   chair and legal counsel; he continued to practice law until   shortly before his passing; and          WHEREAS, Early in his career, Mr. Pitts joined the   Waxahachie Lions Club and Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce; he went   on to serve on the chamber's board and became its president in   1991; over the years, he gave generously of his time and talents   in numerous other leadership roles, including as director of the   Nicholas P. Sims Library and as president of the Baylor Scott &   White Medical Board and the Presbyterian Children's Homes and   Services board; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts made his first foray into politics in   1978, winning a seat on the board of the Waxahachie Independent   School District, and he ultimately served as a trustee for 14   years and held the office of president; elected to the Texas   House in 1992, he set a high standard of constituent services; he   made himself readily available to area citizens, sought their   involvement in problem-solving, and facilitated their access to   government services; deeply committed to public education, he   kept in close contact with school superintendents; and          WHEREAS, Highly regarded for his wisdom and fairness, as   well as his financial expertise and commitment to fiscal   responsibility, Mr. Pitts was appointed to the House   Appropriations Committee; as its chair, he helped guide the   budget setting process for nearly a decade; he was also chair of a   number of appropriations subcommittees, and he served on a range   of other committees; an active champion for his district, he was   instrumental in such projects as widening the U.S. Highway 287   bypass, renovating the famed Ellis County Courthouse, and   rebuilding the historic Hill County Courthouse after a fire;   among numerous accolades, he was named three times to the Texas   Monthly list of the state's 10 best legislators; the magazine   called him "one of the truly great lawmakers of his era"; and          WHEREAS, Following 11 terms in office, Mr. Pitts retired   from the legislature, but his successors continued to seek his   counsel on the appropriations process; he further contributed to   public policy discussions as the founder of Jim Pitts Consulting;   while working tirelessly for the betterment of the Lone Star   State, he always found time for his treasured family; he   enthusiastically supported his children's and grandchildren's   many activities and enjoyed spending time with them at Cedar   Creek Lake and in Park City, Utah; his kind, engaging personality   brought him a multitude of friends all across Texas, and he never   missed a chance to plan a party and treat guests to a bountiful   table of delicious food; and          WHEREAS, Jim Pitts made a lasting, positive difference   through his legislative achievements and wide-ranging civic   endeavors, and although he is greatly missed by all who were   privileged to know him, his statesmanship and profound devotion   to public service will remain a source of inspiration for years   to come; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable   James R. Pitts and extend sincere condolences to the members of   his family: to his children, Duffy Bloemendal and her husband,   Scott, Ashley Pitts, and James Ryan Pitts and his wife, Faith   Anne; to his grandchildren, Jackson, Owen, Will, Margaret,   Evelyn, and James Reagan; to his brother, John Robert Pitts and   his wife, Mary Bain; and to his many other relatives and host of   friends; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns   this day, it do so in memory of Jim Pitts.     Hughes     Alvarado Hall Menéndez   Birdwell Hancock Miles   Blanco Hinojosa of Hidalgo Parker   Creighton Hinojosa of Nueces Paxton   Gutierrez King Perry   Kolkhorst     Patrick, President of the Senate             ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a     rising vote.             ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate             ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate