SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 82
In Memory
of
James Brunkenhoefer
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of United Transportation Union national
legislative director James "Brokenrail" Brunkenhoefer, who died
December 19, 2008, at the age of 61; and
WHEREAS, James Brunkenhoefer was born in Texas on July 23,
1947, and began his railroad career in 1966 as a trainman for the
Southern Pacific Transportation Company on the Dallas-Sabine
District; he was promoted to engineer in 1971 and held seniority
in train and engine service crafts over those Union Pacific lines
in Texas and Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, He was elected vice chairperson of United
Transportation Union Local 83 in Houston in 1969; he served as
local president, vice president, legislative representative,
delegate, organizer, and member of the board of trustees; and
WHEREAS, He was named alternate Texas state legislative
director in 1980 and state director in 1982; he was elected
national legislative director at the union's quadrennial
convention in 1987 and was reelected to the position five times;
and
WHEREAS, James Brunkenhoefer was a highly respected
gentleman who was widely acclaimed as one of the most effective
persons in his field; he will be greatly missed by his family, his
colleagues, and his friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of James
Brunkenhoefer and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved
wife, Judy Sinkin; 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 James Brunkenhoefer.
Whitmire
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 28, 2009, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate