TITLE: In memory of Jack Edwin Harris, Sr., of Arlington.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jack Edwin Harris, Sr., of Arlington.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the death of Jack Edwin Harris, Sr., of Arlington on November 29, 2011, at the age of 88; and WHEREAS, Born on March 27, 1923, in Hays, Kansas, Jack Harris moved to Los Angeles as a young man and pursued a career in show business; he soon met and fell in love with Joanne O'Hara, an actress at the Pasadena Playhouse, and they were married in 1944; the couple remained in the area for nearly a decade, during which time Mr. Harris founded a theater and produced and directed many plays; and WHEREAS, In 1953, he and his family moved to Arlington, where Mr. Harris practiced law, became a real estate developer, and helped establish Guardian Title Company, one of the first such businesses in Tarrant County; he never lost his love of the theater, though, and in the 1970s, he cofounded both Theatre Arlington and the Creative Arts Theatre and School, a successful youth program; and WHEREAS, Mr. Harris also distinguished himself as a rancher and an aficionado of the culture and history of the cowboy; he loved riding horses, and he participated in trail rides well into his eighties; and WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Harris was devoted to his family, which over the years grew to include two sons, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Jack Harris inspired others with his passion, his drive, and his numerous achievements, and he will long be remembered with admiration and affection by all those who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Jack Edwin Harris, Sr., and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Joanne O'Hara Harris; to his sons, Chris Harris and Jack Harris, Jr.; to his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and 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 Jack Edwin Harris, Sr. Patrick Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 32 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 18, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House