SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 433

In Memory

of

James Edwin Russell Jr.

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of James Edwin Russell Jr., who died February 28, 2015, at the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, Jim Russell was born on August 3, 1932, in Mauldin, Massachusetts, to James and Mabel Russell; he grew up in Floresville, where he graduated from high school; and

WHEREAS, He earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Baylor University before serving as an officer in the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, After his military service, Mr. Russell began a distinguished 42-year career in education as a science and mathematics teacher in Temple; he went on to serve as a teacher and an administrator in Austin, Brownfield, and New Braunfels; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Russell continued to expand his knowledge and expertise in his field by earning a doctorate in school administration at The University of Texas at Austin; he concluded his career by serving as assistant superintendent of personnel with the Hays Consolidated Independent School District; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Russell was blessed with a wonderful family; he married Bonnie Frances Miller in 1961, and they enjoyed 29 years of marriage together; his children, Jimmy and Laurie, were a source of much pride and joy, as were his beagles, who brought him much happiness throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, His active lifestyle included a variety of pursuits; he enjoyed basketball, tennis, waterskiing, bowling, and scuba diving, and he was a talented singer who performed in church choirs, barbershop groups, and his gospel quintet; and

WHEREAS, A man of strength, wisdom, and kindness, he gave unselfishly to others, and his many accomplishments and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in his life; and

WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband and father, 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 James Edwin Russell Jr.; 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 Edwin Russell Jr. Watson

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2015, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate