SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 377

In Memory

of

James Neaul Haynes

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Bishop James Neaul Haynes, who died March 9, 2015, at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, James Haynes was born on August 8, 1931, in Denton, to Bishop F. L. Haynes and Ola Mae Haynes; he graduated valedictorian of his class at Fred Moore High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Denver; he then attended the Dallas Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, He married Vivian King Haynes, and they raised two daughters, Pia and Vrai, and were blessed with four grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, He began his long and distinguished career in the ministry when he began preaching the gospel in 1949; he was licensed as an elder in 1952 at Open Door Church of God in Christ and later served as its pastor; he went on to serve as pastor of several churches, including Haynes Chapel Church of God in Christ, which had been named in honor of his father; and

WHEREAS, He became a superintendent of the Church of God in Christ in 1967, and he was elevated to the office of Bishop of the Texas Northeast First Jurisdiction in 1978; the jurisdiction became the denomination's largest, with more than 270 established churches and more than 700 ordained clergy members; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Haynes served for many years on the General Board of the Church of God in Christ; during this time, he held several leadership positions and was appointed to the office of General Secretary of the General Board; in 1996, he was appointed to the office of 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ; he was named an emeritus member of the General Board upon his 2012 retirement; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished scholar and theologian, he held an honorary doctorate from the Dallas Theological Seminary; over the course of his career, he had a profound impact on the lives of countless people; and

WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; 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, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Bishop James Neaul Haynes; 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 Bishop James Neaul Haynes.

West

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 16, 2015, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate