79S20281 JNC-D



By:  Haggerty                                                     H.R. No. 52 







R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may 

temper the sorrow felt at the passing of the Honorable James Jay 

Kaster V of Austin on July 22, 2005, at the age of 72; and

	WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Kaster was born July 4, 1933, in 

El Paso; he graduated with honors from Texas Western College, now 

The University of Texas--El Paso, in 1957 and served his country 

with distinction in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War; and

	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman was elected to the Texas 

House of Representatives in 1971, and during his eight years as a 

member of this body, he was an effective and articulate voice for 

his district; and

	WHEREAS, Continuing his public service, he became El Paso 

County tax assessor-collector and served as legislative liaison for 

Governor William P. Clements from 1979 to 1983 and also in 1987; 

confident in Mr. Kaster's leadership abilities, Governor Clements 

appointed him to the Industrial Accident Board and as chairman of 

the Texas Employment Commission; and

	WHEREAS, He served as chief of staff of the General Staff of 

the Confederate Air Force in Midland, and he was on the McDonald 

Observatory Board of Visitors for more than 20 years; and

	WHEREAS, Mr. Kaster was also active in Lions International 

and dedicated countless hours to the El Paso Downtown Lions Club and 

the Austin Founders Lions Club, which he served as president, and he 

went on to hold the position of district governor; the organization 

recognized his many contributions with three International 

President's Awards and the group's highest honor, the Ambassador of 

Goodwill Award; and

	WHEREAS, After his retirement, he enjoyed driving a school 

bus for the Eanes Independent School District and pursued his 

hobbies of flying and cooking; above all else, he took great pride 

in his large and loving family, and spending time with them was his 

greatest joy; and

	WHEREAS, Held in high regard by all who knew him, Jim Kaster 

embraced life and adventure and brought to all his pursuits a hearty 

zestfulness and unshakeable integrity; he is sorely missed and will 

be forever treasured by those who were privileged to be a part of 

his world; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 

Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 

James Jay Kaster V and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his 

family: to his children, Jim Kaster VI, Deborah Pfluger and her 

husband, Brad, Laura Mathews and her husband, Tom, Kathie Geary, 

John Kaster, and Rustie Kaster; to his grandchildren, Grant, 

Audrey, and Marshal Pfluger, Austin and Taylor Geary, and Kayla, 

Devin, and Haley Kaster; to his sister, Dr. Barbara Kaster; to his 

niece, Kimberly Herard; and to his other relatives and many 

friends; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 

prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 

Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of the 

Honorable James Jay Kaster V.