|
|
|
|
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
|
|
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to |
|
a close with the passing of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) |
|
James D. Kniker of San Antonio on December 24, 2022, at the age of |
|
85; and |
|
WHEREAS, A native of Seguin, Jim Kniker was born on December |
|
2, 1937, to Theodore Kniker and Alice Steger, and he grew up with |
|
three brothers, Ted, Charles, and Kenn; he was president of his |
|
graduating class at Seguin High School, and he continued his |
|
education at The University of Texas at Austin, where he received a |
|
math degree and worked with the Texas Longhorns under the |
|
leadership of Coach Darrell Royal; and |
|
WHEREAS, Mr. Kniker served for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force |
|
as an aerial navigator; he was an electronic warfare officer on |
|
Vietnam tours and on Operation Arc Light bombing missions; his |
|
medals included the Distinguished Flying Cross for the exceptional |
|
skill he demonstrated during a flight on the wave lead aircraft; on |
|
a mission programmed against a high priority target belonging to a |
|
hostile government, his knowledge and use of electronic |
|
counter-measures aided in successfully defending the aircraft and |
|
wave against hostile weapons systems and assured the completion of |
|
the mission by all aircraft; and |
|
WHEREAS, Following the Vietnam War, Mr. Kniker obtained a |
|
master's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University; |
|
he later served in NATO Allied Forces Central Europe warfare |
|
development, and he became a multinational military educator, |
|
helping to enhance war-fighting readiness; moreover, he taught at |
|
the Air War College and played a vital role in the integration of |
|
computers in professional military education; he retired from the |
|
air force at the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he subsequently |
|
worked for a defense contractor in the private sector; and |
|
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Kniker enjoyed the love |
|
and support of his wife, Christine, and he took great pride in his |
|
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; he was known for |
|
his wonderful sense of humor, and he touched the lives of those |
|
around him with his gentle and caring spirit; and |
|
WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his country, Jim |
|
Kniker earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were |
|
privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas |
|
hereby pay tribute to the life of U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel |
|
(Ret.) James D. Kniker and extend heartfelt condolences to the |
|
members of his family: to his wife, Christine Richman; to his |
|
children, Alison, Chris and his wife, Catherine, Kimberly, Kathy, |
|
Nanette, and Tommy; to his grandchildren, Desiree and her husband, |
|
Derek, Caitlin, Hannah, Brian, and Rebecca; to his |
|
great-grandchildren, Foster and Hattie; and to all others who mourn |
|
his passing; and, be it further |
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
|
Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of |
|
Jim Kniker. |
|
|
|
______________________________ |
______________________________ |
|
President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
______________________________ |
|
President of the Senate |
Speaker of the House |
|
|
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 52 was adopted by the Senate |
|
on May 16, 2023, by a rising vote. |
|
______________________________ |
|
Secretary of the Senate |
|
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 52 was adopted by the House |
|
on May 25, 2023, by a rising vote. |
|
______________________________ |
|
Chief Clerk of the House |
|
|
|
|
Approved: |
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
Governor |