TITLE: In memory of James F. Arens.

SUMMARY: In memory of James F. Arens.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life and legacy of James F. Arens, who died July 27, 2025, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, James Arens was born on April 20, 1934, in Hamel, Minnesota; he attended Crosier Seminary before earning his medical degree from Creighton University in 1959; he went on to complete his residency in Hawaii and New Orleans and four years of service in the United States Air Force, launching a career that would span decades of exceptional service in medicine and education; and WHEREAS, After forming an intensive care unit during his final military assignment at Travis Air Force Base in Califoria, Dr. Arens was appointed chairman of anesthesiology at the prestigious Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans, where he also opened an intensive care unit that expanded rapidly under his guidance; he continued his career in prominent leadership roles at the University of Mississippi, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Health Science Center at Houston, and MD Anderson Cancer Center; and WHEREAS, A respected voice in his profession, Dr. Arens served as president of the Texas and American Societies of Anesthesiologists, the American Board of Anesthesiology, and the American Board of Medical Specialties; his outstanding contributions to the field of anesthesiology and the education of hundreds of aspiring residents were recognized with many accolades and Distinguished Service Awards from esteemed national organizations; and WHEREAS, Known for his vision, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to medical education, Dr. Arens continued to serve as chairman emeritus of the Department of Anesthesiology at The University of Texas Medical Branch and remained active in professional organizations and the Blinn College Foundation after retiring in 2008; and WHEREAS, Above all, James cherished his family, and he shared 40 rewarding years together with his wife, Ann Gardner Arens; they were blessed with two children, Patricia Ann Goforth and James F. Arens II, and his grandchildren, David, Lauren, Elsbeth, Porter, and Peyton, all enriched his life immeasurably; and WHEREAS, James Arens leaves behind a legacy defined by professional excellence and a deep commitment to serving others, and his memory will long be a source of inspiration to the countless students, colleagues, patients, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of James F. Arens and extend sincere condolences to his family; 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 on this day, it do so in memory of James Arens. Kolkhorst President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on September 4, 2025, by a rising vote.