81R32290 CBE-D By: Rios Ybarra H.R. No. 2198 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Honorable Joseph Alexander Garcia has served the people of South Texas for more than four decades; and WHEREAS, Born in Brownsville in 1936 to J. A. and Bertha Garcia, J. A. Garcia attended Moye Military Academy before graduating in 1954 from Brownsville High School; he subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville in 1960; and WHEREAS, Mr. Garcia first served his fellow citizens as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1968 to 1972; he was instrumental in expanding the Texas A&I University System to include a Corpus Christi campus, and following his departure from the legislature, he went on to help develop that institution as its chief fiscal officer for five years; and WHEREAS, In the early 1980s, Mr. Garcia was elected as judge of Kenedy County, a position in which he has continued to distinguish himself for nearly three decades; among his numerous achievements in behalf of area residents are the creation of rabies clinics and food banks, the establishment of retirement and insurance plans for teachers, and the organization of ambulance services for rural communities; and WHEREAS, Judge Garcia is supported in his endeavors by his wife of 48 years, the former Sue Ann Barr, and their family includes three children and six grandchildren; his life is further enriched by his involvement in the Garcia Ranch, which has been in his family since it was acquired by his great-grandfather; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to the region he calls home, Judge J. A. Garcia has spent his career working to enhance the quality of life for the people of Kenedy County and beyond, and his outstanding efforts have made a positive and lasting difference; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend the Honorable J. A. Garcia for his many years of public service and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Judge Garcia as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.