SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 628
	In Memory
	of
	James Pitts
	WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an esteemed legislator and
	dear friend to many with the passing of longtime state
	representative James R. Pitts of Waxahachie on July 20, 2024, at
	the age of 77; and
	WHEREAS, Born to Agnes and Roy Pitts in Dallas on
	January 1, 1947, Jim Pitts grew up with an older sister,
	Rosemary, and identical twin, John; he completed his
	undergraduate and master's degrees in business administration at
	Southern Methodist University and earned his law degree from SMU
	as well; on May 22, 1971, he married the former Evelyn Eastham,
	and they settled in her hometown, Waxahachie; they were blessed
	with two daughters, Duffy and Ashley, and a son, Ryan; the couple
	shared a fulfilling relationship until the untimely death of Mrs.
	Pitts in 2004; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts was employed as an associate at the law
	office of Lynn G. Griffith before opening his own firm in 1984; in
	addition, he owned Ellis County Title Company and served as board
	chair and legal counsel; he continued to practice law until
	shortly before his passing; and
	WHEREAS, Early in his career, Mr. Pitts joined the
	Waxahachie Lions Club and Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce; he went
	on to serve on the chamber's board and became its president in
	1991; over the years, he gave generously of his time and talents
	in numerous other leadership roles, including as director of the
	Nicholas P. Sims Library and as president of the Baylor Scott &
	White Medical Board and the Presbyterian Children's Homes and
	Services board; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts made his first foray into politics in
	1978, winning a seat on the board of the Waxahachie Independent
	School District, and he ultimately served as a trustee for 14
	years and held the office of president; elected to the Texas
	House in 1992, he set a high standard of constituent services; he
	made himself readily available to area citizens, sought their
	involvement in problem-solving, and facilitated their access to
	government services; deeply committed to public education, he
	kept in close contact with school superintendents; and
	WHEREAS, Highly regarded for his wisdom and fairness, as
	well as his financial expertise and commitment to fiscal
	responsibility, Mr. Pitts was appointed to the House
	Appropriations Committee; as its chair, he helped guide the
	budget setting process for nearly a decade; he was also chair of a
	number of appropriations subcommittees, and he served on a range
	of other committees; an active champion for his district, he was
	instrumental in such projects as widening the U.S. Highway 287
	bypass, renovating the famed Ellis County Courthouse, and
	rebuilding the historic Hill County Courthouse after a fire;
	among numerous accolades, he was named three times to the Texas
	Monthly list of the state's 10 best legislators; the magazine
	called him "one of the truly great lawmakers of his era"; and
	WHEREAS, Following 11 terms in office, Mr. Pitts retired
	from the legislature, but his successors continued to seek his
	counsel on the appropriations process; he further contributed to
	public policy discussions as the founder of Jim Pitts Consulting;
	while working tirelessly for the betterment of the Lone Star
	State, he always found time for his treasured family; he
	enthusiastically supported his children's and grandchildren's
	many activities and enjoyed spending time with them at Cedar
	Creek Lake and in Park City, Utah; his kind, engaging personality
	brought him a multitude of friends all across Texas, and he never
	missed a chance to plan a party and treat guests to a bountiful
	table of delicious food; and
	WHEREAS, Jim Pitts made a lasting, positive difference
	through his legislative achievements and wide-ranging civic
	endeavors, and although he is greatly missed by all who were
	privileged to know him, his statesmanship and profound devotion
	to public service will remain a source of inspiration for years
	to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
	Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable
	James R. Pitts and extend sincere condolences to the members of
	his family: to his children, Duffy Bloemendal and her husband,
	Scott, Ashley Pitts, and James Ryan Pitts and his wife, Faith
	Anne; to his grandchildren, Jackson, Owen, Will, Margaret,
	Evelyn, and James Reagan; to his brother, John Robert Pitts and
	his wife, Mary Bain; and to his many other relatives and host of
	friends; 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 Pitts.
	Hughes
	Alvarado Hall Menéndez
	Birdwell Hancock Miles
	Blanco Hinojosa of Hidalgo Parker
	Creighton Hinojosa of Nueces Paxton
	Gutierrez King Perry
	Kolkhorst
	Patrick, President of the Senate
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a
		rising vote.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate