TITLE: In memory of Albert James "Jimmy Jalapeeno" Bonar, Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Albert James "Jimmy Jalapeeno" Bonar, Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Austin in mourning the loss of Albert James Bonar, Jr., who died May 22, 2013, at the age of 66; and WHEREAS, Jim Bonar was born January 5, 1947, in Bryan, Texas; he graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston and from The University of Texas at Austin; at the university, he studied painting and photography and was a prot g  of the famed photographer Russell Lee; he also studied painting at the University of California at Davis, where he earned a master of fine arts degree; and WHEREAS, He was a longtime Austin resident and had a 29-year career as a staff photographer for the Texas Historical Commission; he also was a well-known Austin artist who had a busy career as a figurative and naturalistic painter; he was known to his friends, and signed his paintings, as Jimmy Jalapeeno; he was a prolific artist whose works have been collected by numerous public institutions; and WHEREAS, Jimmy was remarkably talented and had discovered his love for painting and photography while he was a teenager; he is best known for his oil paintings of the Texas Hill Country and for his "Green Austin" series, which consists of paintings of natural scenes around the capital city and is on permanent display at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; and WHEREAS, Jimmy was noted for his nonjudgmental attitude toward people and for his wit, his wisdom, and his sense of humor; he was devoted to his wife, the artist Belinda Casey, and to his family and many friends; he had a courageous attitude toward life, and the strength with which he faced his illness was inspirational to others; and WHEREAS, Jim Bonar was beloved by many, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Albert James Bonar, Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jimmy Jalapeeno. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 30, 2013, by a rising vote.