SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 606

In Memory

of

James Bryan Killebrew

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of James Bryan Killebrew, who died March 4, 2013, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, Jim Killebrew was born February 2, 1927, in Paris, Texas; he was a 1943 graduate of Paris High School, and he attended Paris Junior College and Texas A&M University before volunteering for the United States Army Air Corps Aviation Cadets in 1946; he remained on active duty through 1948 and then attended the University of Houston, where he earned a degree in industrial engineering; and

WHEREAS, He reentered active military service in 1951 as a member of the United States Air Force, and upon completion of his pilot training, he flew missions in Japan and Korea; in 1958, he returned to Texas A&M University, where he served as a Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructor and completed his master's degree; after leaving the university, he took part in high-altitude reconnaissance missions and then flew 104 missions over North Vietnam in the course of two tours of duty; and

WHEREAS, After his service in Vietnam, he held a number of command positions before ending his military career as deputy commander of the 26th Tactical Air Command Reconnaissance Wing in Zweibrucken, Germany; he retired with the rank of colonel after more than 27 years of service to the nation; among his many awards and citations were the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement in 1978 from military service, Mr. Killebrew served in various roles for several companies and then embarked on a long and highly successful career in real estate, from which he retired in 2000; he was active in community affairs and served as president of the Arlington Kiwanis Club and the Senior Men's Club; and

WHEREAS, A standout tennis player from a young age, he was a star player at Paris High School and earned a letter in tennis at Texas A&M University; he also won numerous tournaments during his military career, including the singles championship in the Pacific Olympics and both the singles and doubles titles in the United States Forces Europe Tennis Championships; and

WHEREAS, He was a steadfast Aggie and a life member of the Texas A&M Letterman's Club; in 2012, he became a legacy member of the Memorial Student Center, where his name is permanently displayed in the Flag Room; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and honor, he gave unselfishly to others, and his warm smile, his charming sense of humor, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of James Bryan Killebrew; 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 James Killebrew.

Davis

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2013, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate