TITLE: In memory of James T. Edmonds, former chair of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

SUMMARY: In memory of James T. Edmonds, former chair of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The maritime industry and the city of Houston lost an admired leader with the passing of James T. Edmonds on May 11, 2014, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Appointed to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority in 1996, Jim Edmonds served as its chair from 2000 to 2013; he recognized the importance of investing in the port's future, and in the wake of 9/11, he skillfully guided the modernization of security; and WHEREAS, Mr. Edmonds worked tirelessly to promote the growth of the port, which today ranks among the world's busiest and leads the nation in foreign waterborne tonnage, U.S. imports, and U.S. export tonnage; his tenure saw the completion of several major projects, including the deepening and widening of the Houston Ship Channel and the expansion of the Bayport Terminal; moreover, he helped raise the port's profile by strengthening its small business development program, planning a freight rail initiative, and expanding environmental stewardship efforts; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to the greater community as well, Mr. Edmonds devoted more than a quarter-century to the Memorial Hermann Health System, offering notable direction as a member of many of its boards; he chaired the Hospital System Board from 2007 to 2008, and he was a member of the board and executive committee of the Greater Houston Partnership; in addition, he was a trusted advisor to numerous business and government leaders over the course of four decades; and WHEREAS, The son of James and Patricia Edmonds, Mr. Edmonds was born in Wichita, Kansas, on June 10, 1944; he graduated from Abilene Christian University, and early in his career, he worked as executive assistant to Houston Mayor Louie Welch and as administrative assistant to Governor John Connally; subsequently, he became a consulting principal with KPMG-Peat Marwick, and he was a founding partner in an investment banking concern before establishing his own business consulting firm, Edmonds and Company; and WHEREAS, James Edmonds made a profound impact on Houston through his decades of civic engagement and public service, and his accomplishments will continue to benefit residents in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James T. Edmonds and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; 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 James T. Edmonds. Smith Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2499 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 21, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House