In memory of former Plano mayor James N. Muns.
WHEREAS, Residents of Plano lost an admired civic leader with
the passing of former mayor James N. Muns on March 6, 2025, at the
age of 93; and
WHEREAS, The son of Elvie and Claude Muns, James Muns was born
in Sweetwater on January 6, 1932; he graduated from Sweetwater High
School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration
from Abilene Christian University; while attending ACU, he was a
member of the undefeated 1950 Wildcat Football team, and he
considered their victory in the Refrigerator Bowl one of the
defining moments of his life; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, Mr. Muns began a 35-year tenure with Wyatt
Food Stores as a manager of its Fort Worth locations; rising through
the ranks of personnel director and vice president of operations,
he played a vital role in the company’s growth; in 1978, he was
named president, a role in which he oversaw the chain’s expansion to
122 locations across 9 states; following its sale in 1988, he went
on to open the venture capital and investment firm Muns Enterprises
L.P., which financed a number of real estate developments and
related projects; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Mr. Muns served on the
Plano City Council from 1981 to 1987, and he was elected mayor of
Plano in 1992; while in office, he worked to enhance the quality of
life for his fellow citizens, and he played a key role in Plano’s
recognition as an All-America City; he also served as director of
the North Texas Commission, as chair of the board of trustees for
Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, and as a board member for the
Presbyterian Hospital Foundation; in 1995, he was named Plano’s
Citizen of the Year; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Mr. Muns was a church elder at
Walnut Hill Church of Christ in Dallas and Pitman Creek Church of
Christ in Plano; in his leisure hours, he enjoyed playing golf, snow
skiing, and traveling, and he was an exceptionally skilled
woodworker; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Muns benefited from the
love and support of his wife, Betty Bell, with whom he shared a
rewarding union that spanned more than seven decades until her
death in 2024; he was the proud father of four children, Kathy,
Marla, Greg, and John, and with the passing years, he had the
pleasure of seeing his treasured family grow to include 12
grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, An engaged citizen, a devoted family man, and an
admired business and community leader, James Muns leaves behind a
legacy of good works that will long resonate in the Plano community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James N. Muns 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 House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of James Muns.
