TITLE: In memory of James Raymond Viramontes.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Raymond Viramontes.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of James Raymond Viramontes, who died August 25, 2012, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, Jimmy Viramontes was born in La Union, New Mexico; he determined at an early age that he had a calling to play and coach basketball; he went on to enjoy a successful career in his chosen field and to serve as a respected and admired educator in his adopted hometown of Austin; and WHEREAS, He was married to his devoted wife, Alta, for 53 years; they raised three daughters, Anne, Mary, and June, and were blessed with four grandchildren; and WHEREAS, He served his country in the United States Navy and the United States Air Force; a gifted athlete, he led the Texas Longhorns to a Southwest Conference title in 1951 as a play-making guard; he served as an assistant basketball coach for the Longhorns and as head coach at West Texas State University; in Austin, he established a long and fulfilling career with the Austin Independent School District; and WHEREAS, Mr. Viramontes was the first basketball coach at McCallum High School, where he also taught science; he became an educational administrator and served as a vice principal at Porter and Kealing Junior High Schools; he was a longtime successful head principal at Reagan High School until his retirement in 1990; and WHEREAS, He was honored in 2002 by former Longhorn players for his role as a coach and mentor, and in 2005, he was inducted into The University of Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor; and WHEREAS, He was a man of courage, strength, and kindheartedness who gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, his generous nature, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of James Raymond Viramontes; 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 Viramontes. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 2, 2013, by a rising vote.