TITLE: In memory of James Dwight Barkham Jr. of Forney.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Dwight Barkham Jr. of Forney.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of assistant fire chief James Dwight Barkham Jr. of Forney on November 28, 2016, at the age of 56; and WHEREAS, Born in Dallas on December 30, 1959, Jamie Barkham was the son of Jim and Ninva Barkham and the brother of Cindy, Laurie, and Jeanine; he graduated from Skyline High School in 1978 and subsequently earned an associate degree in applied arts and science; he went on to work at Steakley Chevrolet for two decades before accepting a position with Southwest Airlines, where he served as a ground support equipment and plant maintenance mechanic for 18 years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Barkham joined the Forney Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in January 1987, and over the years, he steadily advanced through the ranks, serving in a number of leadership roles before earning promotion to assistant chief; in honor of his exemplary efforts, he was named Firefighter of the Year multiple times; he was also presented with a Life Saving Award and a CareFlite letter of recognition, and in 2013, he received a certificate of excellence from Texas State Senator Bob Deuell for standing vigil for the firefighters killed by the fertilizer plant explosion in West; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Barkham shared 32 rewarding years of marriage with his wife, Laurie, and their treasured family eventually grew to include their two sons, Brent Barkham and his wife, Keely, and Jacob Barkham and his wife, Kaci, and four grandchildren, Bailey, Landry, Seann, and Graci; in his leisure hours, he loved cooking and spending time in the great outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his sons; and WHEREAS, Jamie Barkham distinguished himself through his remarkable kindness, courage, and dedication to duty, and though his life ended far too soon, he leaves behind a legacy that will be forever cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have known him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Dwight Barkham Jr. and extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives and many friends; 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 Jamie Barkham. Gooden Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2539 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 28, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House