TITLE: In memory of James Henderson Strain of Abilene.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Henderson Strain of Abilene.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will long cherish their memories of James Henderson Strain of Abilene, who passed away on December 22, 2013, at the age of 83; and WHEREAS, Born to James H. and Victoria Strain in Odessa on November 26, 1930, James Strain grew up in Haskell with his two younger siblings, Ernest and Doris, and became an Eagle Scout during his youth; he graduated from Haskell High School in 1948 and went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1952; as a member of the U.S. Army, he ably served his country as a survey officer with the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, Mr. Strain played an important role in developing the J. H. Strain and Sons highway construction company, which had been founded by his father, and he helped guide its successful operations for many years; respected by his colleagues in the industry, he held such leadership positions as southwestern states representative on the National Asphalt Pavement Association board, president of the highway branch of the Associated General Contractors of Texas, and president of the Texas Hot Mix Association; and WHEREAS, A prominent member of his community, Mr. Strain served as president of Dixie Little League, as a director of the Abilene Better Business Bureau, and as a member of the board of Citizens National Bank of Abilene; in addition, he was a founding member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and chaired its administrative board; and WHEREAS, Mr. Strain and his wife, the former Carolyn Henshaw, were married on May 30, 1952, beginning a richly rewarding marriage that spanned more than six decades; the couple became the proud parents of a daughter, Jayne, and two sons, Steve and Kent, and they were further blessed as their family grew to include five grandchildren, Alexis, Court, Ross, Whit, and Kaitlyn; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man and an accomplished business and civic leader, James Strain will be deeply missed, but the integrity, courage, and abiding sense of humor with which he lived his life will forever inspire all who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Henderson Strain and extend sincere sympathy to those who mourn his passing; 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 Henderson Strain. King of Taylor Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1196 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 26, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House