SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 283
In Memory
of
M. James Moritz
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Austin and Port Arthur in mourning the loss of Dr. M.
James Moritz, who died January 6, 2009, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born January 1, 1923, in Port Arthur, James Moritz
graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended The
University of Texas; his college years were interrupted during
World War II when he was sent to Notre Dame University for officer
training school as a member of the Naval Reserve; he served as the
commanding officer of a sub-chaser in the Atlantic Theater and
also served in the Pacific and the Philippines; on June 3, 1944,
he married the love of his life, Dorothy "Dody" Sangalli; and
WHEREAS, He graduated from The University of Texas Dental
Branch in Houston in 1950 and began a general dentistry practice
in Port Arthur; in 1964, he sold his practice, and after
completing three more years of schooling in orthodontic
dentistry, he moved to Austin in 1967 and practiced orthodontics;
well-respected in his profession, he served for many years on the
State Board of Dental Examiners; and
WHEREAS, After closing his practice in orthodontics in
1989, he assisted with the selling of dental practices across the
nation and engaged in a number of local business ventures, which
included organizing Capitol City Savings and serving as a partner
in Balcones Associates; he also invested in the oil, gas, and
gravel business and was active in real estate and land
development; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Moritz was a well-known community leader who
devoted much of his time and energy to numerous charitable
causes; active with Caregivers of North Austin, he assisted
thousands of elderly and ill Austin citizens over a five-year
period; he was a devout Christian and a member of Redeemer
Lutheran Church, where he served on the Board of Elders; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, he founded the 100 Club of Central Texas,
which now serves five Central Texas counties; the organization
provides emotional and financial assistance to the families of
law enforcement and public service workers who have lost their
lives and to those who have been critically injured while serving
in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Moritz devoted his life to helping others and
was appropriately honored by the 100 Club with the Humanitarian
Award of 2002; noted for his kindness and generous spirit, he was
also a man who celebrated life to the fullest and was an avid
golfer, fisherman, and sports enthusiast; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman who was highly respected
by the community, Dr. Moritz touched the lives of many and was
beloved by his family and friends, and he leaves behind memories
that will be deeply treasured by all who were privileged to share
in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Dr. M. James Moritz: his wife, Dorothy; his sons and
daughters-in-law, James Moritz, John Moritz and Hershey, and
Allan Moritz and Tamara; his daughter, Jana Christian; and his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Dr. M. James Moritz.
Watson
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 23, 2009,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate