TITLE: In memory of James Wesley Hightower of Waxahachie.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Wesley Hightower of Waxahachie.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The passing of James Wesley Hightower of Waxahachie on February 5, 2019, at the age of 92, has brought a great loss to his family and friends; and WHEREAS, James Hightower was born to Leo and Gladys Hightower on November 6, 1926, in Waxahachie, where he grew up with the companionship of a sister, Mildred; he graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1945, and during his time there, he captained the football team and distinguished himself as a Golden Gloves boxing champion; although he was offered scholarships to both Texas Christian University and Rice University, he put his education on hold to serve in World War II as a member of the United States Army's 98th Field Artillery Battalion; after the war ended, he enrolled at TCU and Baylor Law School; and WHEREAS, On February 2, 1946, Mr. Hightower wed his high school sweetheart, the former Jimylin Wise, and they went on to share a marriage that spanned 72 years, before Mrs. Hightower's passing in 2018; the couple were blessed with three children, Laurie, Wesley, and Jamie, and over the years, Mr. Hightower took pride in welcoming into his family seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, An admired civic leader, Mr. Hightower served as president of the Ellis County Rural Rail Transportation District, the Waxahachie Foundation, and the Waxahachie Ex-Students' Association, as well as the Chairman's Roundtable Division Leader for the YMCA Youth Sponsorship Campaign from 1997 to 2000; he and his wife were also members of Historic Waxahachie, Inc., and Mr. Hightower was a certified Master Gardener; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his family, his profession, and his community, James Hightower leaves behind an exemplary record of service, and he will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all those who held him dear; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Wesley Hightower and extend sincere sympathy to his loved ones; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of James Wesley Hightower. Wray Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 471 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 13, 2019. Chief Clerk of the House