TITLE: In memory of Jim B. Elam of Longview.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jim B. Elam of Longview.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the passing of Dr. Jim B. Elam of Longview on July 13, 2025, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, The son of Bryan and Allene Elam, Jim Elam was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, on November 4, 1935, and he grew up with the companionship of his sister, Betty Sue; he felt the call to the ministry at the age of 15 and began preaching at a small church near his hometown; in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and he was stationed in Germany and also served as director of the Army's American Youth Association; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elam earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University in 1961, and he later received a master of divinity degree and a doctorate of ministry from Brite Divinity School; ordained in 1964 at First Christian Church of Odessa, he served numerous congregations over the course of a distinguished ministerial career, including First Christian Church in Sulphur Springs and First Christian Church in Duncanville; he went on to lead First Christian Church in Longview as senior minister for 25 years, and following his retirement in 2001, he acted as interim senior minister for several churches; and WHEREAS, Passionate about community service, Dr. Elam helped establish the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, and he was instrumental in the formation of a group affectionately known as the "Good Guys" who played a pivotal role in launching a number of initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity in Longview, a chaplaincy program at Good Shepherd Medical Center, and the East Texas Literacy Council; moreover, he gave generously of his time and talents to various other boards and organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Kidney Foundation of Longview, and the Gregg County Juvenile Task Force; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elam shared a rewarding marriage of 61 years with his wife, Mary Alice; he took great pride in his four children, Matthew, Beth, Molly, and Margaret, and with the passing years, he had the pleasure of seeing his treasured family grow to include eight grandchildren, Adelynn, Sam, Elanor, Jack, Thomas, Oliver, Benjamin, and Nathan; in his free time, he enjoyed following TCU sports; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his faith, his family, and his community, Jim Elam earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Jim B. Elam and extend sincere condolences to all 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jim Elam. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 15, 2025, by a rising vote.