SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 283

In Memory

of

M. James Moritz

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin and Port Arthur in mourning the loss of Dr. M. James Moritz, who died January 6, 2009, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, Born January 1, 1923, in Port Arthur, James Moritz graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended The University of Texas; his college years were interrupted during World War II when he was sent to Notre Dame University for officer training school as a member of the Naval Reserve; he served as the commanding officer of a sub-chaser in the Atlantic Theater and also served in the Pacific and the Philippines; on June 3, 1944, he married the love of his life, Dorothy "Dody" Sangalli; and

WHEREAS, He graduated from The University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston in 1950 and began a general dentistry practice in Port Arthur; in 1964, he sold his practice, and after completing three more years of schooling in orthodontic dentistry, he moved to Austin in 1967 and practiced orthodontics; well-respected in his profession, he served for many years on the State Board of Dental Examiners; and

WHEREAS, After closing his practice in orthodontics in 1989, he assisted with the selling of dental practices across the nation and engaged in a number of local business ventures, which included organizing Capitol City Savings and serving as a partner in Balcones Associates; he also invested in the oil, gas, and gravel business and was active in real estate and land development; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Moritz was a well-known community leader who devoted much of his time and energy to numerous charitable causes; active with Caregivers of North Austin, he assisted thousands of elderly and ill Austin citizens over a five-year period; he was a devout Christian and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he served on the Board of Elders; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, he founded the 100 Club of Central Texas, which now serves five Central Texas counties; the organization provides emotional and financial assistance to the families of law enforcement and public service workers who have lost their lives and to those who have been critically injured while serving in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Moritz devoted his life to helping others and was appropriately honored by the 100 Club with the Humanitarian Award of 2002; noted for his kindness and generous spirit, he was also a man who celebrated life to the fullest and was an avid golfer, fisherman, and sports enthusiast; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman who was highly respected by the community, Dr. Moritz touched the lives of many and was beloved by his family and friends, and he leaves behind memories that will be deeply treasured by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. M. James Moritz: his wife, Dorothy; his sons and daughters-in-law, James Moritz, John Moritz and Hershey, and Allan Moritz and Tamara; his daughter, Jana Christian; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 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 Dr. M. James Moritz.

Watson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2009, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate