H.C.R. No. 100
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Citizens of Paris, Texas, lost an admired community
leader with the passing of the Reverend James M. Elsom on February
15, 2009, at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, James Elsom was born in Alvord on August 5, 1923, to
George M. Elsom and Goldie May Ledbetter Elsom; after graduating
from Pampa High School, he attended Texas A&M University and
Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned his
bachelor's and master's of divinity degrees; committed to the
service of others from an early age, he took time from his studies
to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater during
World War II; and
WHEREAS, In 1942, Mr. Elsom was joined in matrimony to the
former Maurice Conner, and together they were blessed with four
children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong and unswerving faith, Mr. Elsom
answered the call to the ministry in the mid-1950s; in 1964,
Reverend Elsom moved to Paris and began his pastorate at Ramseur
Baptist Church; over the course of his 14-year tenure there, the
church grew from a congregation of less than 200 to more than 700,
and it also moved to a spacious new sanctuary; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Elsom went on to found Victory Baptist
Church of Paris, where he spent his final years as a full-time
minister; he also helped found Combined Insurance Associates in
1989, and he served as a member of the Paris Chamber of Commerce;
named pastor emeritus of Ramseur Baptist Church nearly two years
ago, he remained active in the ministry late in life, continuing to
conduct weddings and funerals and share his wisdom with those in
need; and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Jim Elsom dedicated his life to his
faith, to his family, and to his community, and memories of him will
continue to inspire all those who were privileged to know him; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the life of the Reverend James M. Elsom and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Maurice Elsom; to his children, Linda Kay Wolfgang and her
husband, Fred, Gregg M. Elsom and his wife, Kim, and Barry L. Elsom
and his wife, Pat; to his grandchildren, Beth Keener, Jim
Ledbetter, Brad Rountree and his wife, Karin, Gail Blaylock and her
husband, John, and Cassie Elsom; to his great-grandchildren, Adam
Keener, Austin Blaylock, Jack Blaylock, Kyle Rountree, and Rachael
Rountree; and to his other relatives and 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
the Reverend James M. Elsom.
Homer
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 100 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 26, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.C.R. No. 100 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the Senate on April 21, 2009.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: __________________
Date
__________________
Governor