SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 974

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of James Tinsley, who died April 24, 2007, at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, James Tinsley was born in Haynesville, Louisiana; he graduated from Baylor University and earned a master's degree from the University of North Carolina and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, He was a longtime history professor at the University of Houston; during his 42-year teaching career, he served as the chairman of the history department and as an associate dean of arts and sciences; and

WHEREAS, In his research and teaching, he specialized in Texas history, focusing on the late 19th century and the 20th century; he also became an acknowledged authority on the Theodore Roosevelt presidential era and the progressive period in United States history; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary citizen, Professor Tinsley was highly respected in the Houston community; he served as the executive director of the Texas Gulf Coast Historical Association for 30 years; he also wrote and contributed to historical texts; and

WHEREAS, He wrote a chapter about the history of South Main Baptist Church during its centennial in 2003 and facilitated the church's acquisition of a historical marker, writing the official text for it; and

WHEREAS, His wisdom and warmth touched all who knew him, and he built a life remarkably rich in family, friends, and accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of James Tinsley: his wife, Eleanor Tinsley; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen and David Ownby and Marilyn and B.D. Daniel; his son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Cathy Tinsley; his sisters, Doris Jane Jordan and Emogene McCray; and his seven grandchildren and great-grandchild; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of James Tinsley. Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 4, 2007, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate