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