81R35851 CBE-D
By: Sheffield H.C.R. No. 257
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt at
the tragic death of James Michael Grant of Gatesville on September
15, 2007, at the age of 44; and
WHEREAS, Michael Grant was born in Denton to Garnett and
Nancy Grant on May 23, 1963; he graduated from Gatesville High
School in 1981 and went on to attend Southwest Texas State
University; he later became an integral part of the family
business, including operating Grant's Bar & Grill in Copperas Cove
for more than 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Possessing a natural love of learning, Mr. Grant
eagerly consumed knowledge of history and politics and delighted in
the family pastime of political debate; moreover, he was an avid
reader whose goal it was to read all of the great books; equally
comfortable with hands-on pursuits, he had a knack for building and
repairing things, and he was a gifted writer and artist; his
multifaceted interests also included star gazing at the top of
Grant's Mountain, hunting, camping, football, guns, and cars; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Grant further distinguished himself as a
dedicated and loving father who worked hard to provide a good home
for his children; with his genuine love of life and his generosity
toward others, he set an inspiring example for his daughters, Jana
and Kate, and their remarkable achievements since his passing are
due in no small part to the foundation he laid for them while he was
alive; and
WHEREAS, His oldest daughter, Jana Ramsey Grant, is a
graduating senior at Comanche High School, where she was not only
named class favorite both her junior and senior years, but she was
also selected as the 2008-2009 homecoming queen; in addition, she
has participated in such UIL events as literary criticism, prose,
poetry, and one-act play, for which she earned Honorable Mention
All-Star Cast, and she is a member of the cheerleading squad;
outside of school, she gives back to her fellow residents through
her involvement in the faith-based group Community Rehab; and
WHEREAS, Kate Grant is a straight-A student in the gifted and
talented program at Decatur Intermediate School and was an
award-winning participant in the FFA food project at the Wise
County Youth Fair; when she is not studying, she spends much of her
time practicing for the Quest Aquatics Swim Team, and she plans to
participate in track and field, cross-country, and volleyball at
Decatur Middle School next year; moreover, she has explored public
service as an honorary sergeant in the Texas House of
Representatives and as a student scholar in Senator Kip Averitt's
office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Grant would no doubt beam with pride to see these
talented young women today; left in his stead to share in the
pleasure of their accomplishments are his father, Garnett Grant,
and his siblings, Shelton and Kathy Grant; Michael Grant was the
rock of his close-knit family, and it is only fitting that they are
in turn providing such stability, encouragement, and guidance for
his cherished daughters; and
WHEREAS, Michael Grant would have turned 46 years old on May
23, 2009, a day that will forever hold special meaning for those
closest to him; although his many friends and loved ones have
experienced tremendous grief in the wake of his death, they may take
comfort in knowing that he embraced life to the fullest and brought
immeasurable joy to countless people during his years on this
earth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the memory of James Michael Grant and extend
sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his daughters,
Jana Ramsey Grant and Kate Grant; to his father, Garnett Grant; to
his brother, Shelton Grant; to his sister, Kathy Grant; to his
companion, Cheri Lock Tull; and 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Michael Grant.