In memory of former state representative James R. Pitts.

89(R) SR 628 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

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