79S31953 MDM-D

By:  Noriega                                                    H.C.R. No. 49 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Family and friends mourn the passing of beloved 
educator James Richard LaVois of Houston, who died on May 1, 2006; 
and
	WHEREAS, The son of the Reverend James Novarro LaVois and 
Blanche Morton LaVois, he graduated from Sam Houston High School 
and prepared for his career in education by earning a bachelor's 
degree from Baylor University, a master's degree from Sam Houston 
State University, and a doctorate in education from American 
University of London; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout a professional career with the Houston 
Independent School District that spanned 45 years until his 
retirement in March 2006, Mr. LaVois earned the respect of 
colleagues and students alike; he taught math at his alma mater, Sam 
Houston High School, became assistant principal at McReynolds and 
Edison Junior High Schools, and then served Edison as principal 
before assuming that post at Reagan High School; and
	WHEREAS, After leaving the school setting, Mr. LaVois 
continued to play a significant role in the education of area 
students in his subsequent administrative posts as the North 
Central District superintendent, assistant superintendent for 
academic support services and athletics, and interim chief academic 
officer; and
	WHEREAS, He shared a fulfilling family life with his wife of 
seven years, Marsha C. Smith LaVois, until her death, and he took 
great pride in his son, Rod LaVois, and enjoyed the friendship of 
many people; and
	WHEREAS, James LaVois was widely admired for his dedication 
to the education of young Texans, and he will long be remembered 
with great affection by those who held him dear; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas, 
3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of James Richard 
LaVois and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to 
his son, Rod LaVois; to his mother, Blanche LaVois; to his brothers, 
Edward LaVois and his wife, Wanda, and Arnold LaVois and his wife, 
Judy; to his mother-in-law, Beatrice Smith; to his brother-in-law, 
David Smith; to his first wife and good friend, Caroline Fowler 
LaVois; to his former mother-in-law, Frances Fowler; to his 
sisters-in-law, JoAn Manges and Judy Fowler Hayman and her husband, 
Steve; and to his other relatives and 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of 
James Richard LaVois.