TITLE: In memory of John V. Spikes of Hunt.

SUMMARY: In memory of John V. Spikes of Hunt.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Friends and family are mourning the loss of John V. Spikes of Hunt, who passed away on April 15, 2010, at the age of 73; and WHEREAS, Born in Amarillo on February 24, 1937, John Spikes earned bachelor's and master's degrees in geophysics and taught at the University of Minnesota before accepting an offer from IBM; he spent more than 25 years with the company as a systems engineer, product manager, marketing manager, and financial services liaison, and many of his former employees have recalled the positive impact he had on their careers; subsequent to his tenure with IBM, he became a product director for Continental Airlines; and WHEREAS, Mr. Spikes began to work with children and young adults after retiring to the Texas Hill Country; he was involved with the Ignite SystemsGo Aeroscience program at Fredericksburg High School, which challenges students to design, build, and successfully launch a rocket one mile into the air; he then introduced the program to the Ingram Independent School District, and it is now a part of the curriculum there; and WHEREAS, A volunteer at Greystone Preparatory School in Kerrville, Mr. Spikes mentored students seeking an appointment to one of the five United States service academies, and he further distinguished himself as a member of the Greystone advisory board; in addition, he was elected to the Hunt Independent School District Board of Trustees, determined to expand educational offerings in math and science and improve technology in the classroom; administrators at Hunt ISD will continue his important work with the John Spikes Technology Initiative, which was created through donations made in his honor after his passing; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Spikes enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Virginia, and his children, Jeff and Susan; and WHEREAS, John Spikes was an outstanding businessman and a devoted community leader, and he touched the lives of not only those who knew him best but also countless young men and women who benefited from his efforts in their schools; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John V. Spikes and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Virginia; to his son, Jeff, and his wife, Crystal; to his daughter, Susan; to his 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 John V. Spikes. Hilderbran Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 68 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 24, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House