By: Ratliff S.R. No. 835 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 In Memory 1-3 of 1-4 James R. Cameron 1-5 WHEREAS, Citizens from all walks of life in Sulphur Springs 1-6 and in high school and college football throughout the state 1-7 were saddened by the passing of Coach James R. Cameron, who died 1-8 April 1, 1995; and 1-9 WHEREAS, His outstanding coaching career of 31 years 1-10 began with the position of assistant coach at Mansfield, 1-11 Waco Richfield, and McKinney, and he advanced to head coach 1-12 at McKinney, Howard Payne University, Angelo State University, 1-13 Rockwall, and Kilgore; and his career culminated in the past 1-14 six years, which he spent coaching at Sulphur Springs where his 1-15 Wildcats won 57 of 73 games and were district champions all six 1-16 years; and, this past fall, Sulphur Springs was ranked Number 1 1-17 in Class 4A by three preseason polls; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Again and again, he consistently reshaped losing 1-19 teams into winners; like other great coaches, he was a master of 1-20 strategy and tactics, but more importantly, he was a leader who 1-21 inspired the lives of young men and women both on and off the 1-22 field; he taught them that character and hard work are the 1-23 foundations of success in life, and not just the numbers on 2-1 the board at the end of the game; and 2-2 WHEREAS, He supported the "No Pass, No Play" rule, and his 2-3 athletes succeeded in their studies as well as on the playing 2-4 field; and as he turned losing teams into winners, his legend 2-5 grew; he unselfishly shared his methods with his assistants, so 2-6 that they, too, became successful head coaches; a generous and 2-7 giving man, he stayed in touch with his former coaches and players 2-8 all over the country; and 2-9 WHEREAS, He was a graduate of Commerce High School and 2-10 East Texas State University, and rejected an opportunity to play 2-11 for the San Diego Chargers, choosing to finish his degree and to 2-12 marry his high school sweetheart, the former June Duncan, in 1959; 2-13 and 2-14 WHEREAS, East Texas State University in 1994 honored 2-15 Mr. Cameron in his role as outstanding alumni and coach; and 2-16 plans had been made to honor him again this month as one of the 2-17 university's alumni Ambassadors; and 2-18 WHEREAS, In the last two years, Sulphur Springs High 2-19 School was recognized for the best all-around athletic program 2-20 in the district, and the pattern of excellence established by 2-21 Coach Cameron is a source of great pride to students, parents, 2-22 and the community; and 2-23 WHEREAS, Coach Cameron's family may take consolation in 2-24 the outstanding accomplishments he achieved in every endeavor, 2-25 as Coach Cameron was a positive influence for many, many people, 3-1 and his philosophy of giving students a second chance was an 3-2 important element of his success in turning young people's lives 3-3 into rich and productive endeavors; now, therefore, be it 3-4 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 3-5 74th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of 3-6 Coach James Cameron and extend sincere condolences to the 3-7 members of his family: his wife, June; his sons, Jeff Cameron 3-8 and Joey Cameron; his daughters, Debra Cook and Jessica Cameron; 3-9 and his three grandchildren; and, be it further 3-10 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the 3-11 members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from 3-12 the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it 3-13 do so in memory of James R. Cameron. 3-14 ______________________________________ 3-15 President of the Senate 3-16 I hereby certify that the above 3-17 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-18 on April 27, 1995, by a rising vote. 3-19 ______________________________________ 3-20 Secretary of the Senate 3-21 ______________________________________ 3-22 Member, Texas Senate