SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22

In Memory

of

James Chestnut Watson

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Houston in mourning the loss of Dr. James Chestnut Watson, who died May 23, 2011, at the age of 75; and

WHEREAS, Born in Trenton, New Jersey, James Watson earned his medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine; in 1964, he became the first African American to receive a medical internship at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, After moving to Houston in 1965, he earned his master's degree in public health from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; he went on to serve in a Houston clinic, where he was noted for often treating patients free of charge; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Dr. Watson was named to the board of managers of the Harris County Hospital District; he later served as the director of public health for the City of Houston from 1978 to 1980 and was the first African American to hold that position; he welcomed these appointments as opportunities to ensure that more people would have access to health care; he later also served as medical director at the Harris County Sheriff's Department in 1983; and

WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman, Dr. Watson was respected in the community for his many accomplishments and for his remarkably generous nature; he was deeply committed to his work as a physician and to helping all who were in need of care; and

WHEREAS, A man of integrity and high standards, Dr. Watson gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Watson was devoted to his patients, his friends, and his family, and he will long be remembered with affection and appreciation by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. James Chestnut Watson: his wife of 24 years, Marlene M. Watson; his sister, Ruby Watson Marshall; his four daughters and his stepdaughter; his nine grandchildren; his great-grandson; and his many other beloved relatives and friends; 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. James Watson. Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 9, 2011, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate