SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 58
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Jim Elam
 
         WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
  passing of Dr. Jim B. Elam of Longview on July 13, 2025, at the
  age of 89; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Bryan and Allene Elam, Jim Elam was
  born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, on November 4, 1935, and he grew
  up with the companionship of his sister, Betty Sue; he felt the
  call to the ministry at the age of 15 and began preaching at a
  small church near his hometown; in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S.
  Army, and he was stationed in Germany and also served as director
  of the Army's American Youth Association; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Elam earned a bachelor's degree from Texas
  Christian University in 1961, and he later received a master of
  divinity degree and a doctorate of ministry from Brite Divinity
  School; ordained in 1964 at First Christian Church of Odessa, he
  served numerous congregations over the course of a distinguished
  ministerial career, including First Christian Church in Sulphur
  Springs and First Christian Church in Duncanville; he went on to
  lead First Christian Church in Longview as senior minister for 25
  years, and following his retirement in 2001, he acted as interim
  senior minister for several churches; and
         WHEREAS, Passionate about community service, Dr. Elam
  helped establish the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, and he was
  instrumental in the formation of a group affectionately known as
  the "Good Guys" who played a pivotal role in launching a number of
  initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity in Longview, a
  chaplaincy program at Good Shepherd Medical Center, and the East
  Texas Literacy Council; moreover, he gave generously of his time
  and talents to various other boards and organizations, including
  the Salvation Army, the Kidney Foundation of Longview, and the
  Gregg County Juvenile Task Force; and
         WHEREAS, Dr. Elam shared a rewarding marriage of 61 years
  with his wife, Mary Alice; he took great pride in his four
  children, Matthew, Beth, Molly, and Margaret, and with the
  passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his treasured family
  grow to include eight grandchildren, Adelynn, Sam, Elanor, Jack,
  Thomas, Oliver, Benjamin, and Nathan; in his free time, he
  enjoyed following TCU sports; and
         WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his faith, his family, and his
  community, Jim Elam earned the lasting respect and admiration of
  all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
  Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life
  of Dr. Jim B. Elam and extend sincere condolences to all 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 Senate adjourns
  this day, it do so in memory of Jim Elam.
 
  Hughes
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on August 15, 2025, by
    a rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate