In memory of former state representative James R. Pitts of Waxahachie.
WHEREAS, Former state representative James R. Pitts of
Waxahachie passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 77, bringing
a great loss to his family and friends and to the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, The son of Agnes and Roy Pitts, Jim Pitts was born in
Dallas on January 1, 1947, and he grew up with the companionship of
his older sister, Rosemary, and identical twin, John; he graduated
from Jesuit High School and went on to attend Southern Methodist
University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
business administration as well as a juris doctor degree; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts began his legal career as an associate in
the law office of Lynn G. Griffith, and in 1984, he established his
own firm in Waxahachie; he continued to practice law throughout his
life; he also owned Ellis County Title Company, where he served as
board chair and legal counsel; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Pitts was a member of
the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, and he served on its board of
directors and later became board president; in addition, he was
involved in the Waxahachie Lions Club, the Community Advisory
Council for Scottish Rite Learning Center, and the Waxahachie
Foundation, and he held leadership positions with Citizens National
Bank of Texas, Nicholas P. Sims Library, Presbyterian Children’s
Services, Broadway Dallas, ZACH Theatre in Austin, and the Baylor
Scott & White Medical Board in Waxahachie; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts won election to the Waxahachie
Independent School District Board of Trustees in 1978, and he held
that seat for 14 years and served as the board’s president; in 1992,
he successfully ran for the District 10 seat in the Texas House of
Representatives; he was sworn into office in January 1993, and over
the course of his tenure, he worked tirelessly in behalf of his
constituents; he was an avid supporter of area school districts,
and he contributed to a variety of projects benefiting the
residents of Ellis, Hill, and Henderson Counties; he also authored
the resolution that designated Waxahachie as the Crape Myrtle
Capital of Texas; and
WHEREAS, During his 11 terms in office, Mr. Pitts was a
member of numerous committees; he was first appointed to the
appropriations committee in 1997, and he went on to serve as its
chair for a decade; in that position, he took on the important task
of overseeing the development of the state’s budget, and he
championed wise financial stewardship; in addition, he held
leadership roles with several appropriations subcommittees as well
as with a number of other committees, including ways and means and
government reform; and
WHEREAS, Among his many achievements, Mr. Pitts was named to
the Ten Best Legislators list by Texas Monthly in 2005, 2009, and
2013; he concluded his career in the Texas House in January 2015,
following more than two decades of distinguished public service; in
his retirement, he continued to work on key issues in the
legislature as the founder of Jim Pitts Consulting; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pitts married the former Evelyn Eastham on
May 22, 1971, and the couple shared a rewarding union that spanned
33 years before Mrs. Pitts tragically passed away in 2004; they
were the proud parents of three children, Duffy, Ashley, and Ryan,
and over the years, their treasured family grew to include six
grandchildren, Jackson, Owen, Will, Margaret, Evelyn, and James
Reagan; he was a steadfast source of encouragement for his children
and grandchildren, and he took great pleasure in hosting guests at
his home; and
WHEREAS, An esteemed legislator, attorney, and community
leader, Jim Pitts exemplified the highest ideals of public service,
and his contributions to his fellow Texans will be remembered and
admired for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable
James R. Pitts and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and many
friends; 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 Jim Pitts.
