82R3715 MGR-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 68
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Friends and family are mourning the loss of John V.
Spikes of Hunt, who passed away on April 15, 2010, at the age of 73;
and
WHEREAS, Born in Amarillo on February 24, 1937, John Spikes
earned bachelor's and master's degrees in geophysics and taught at
the University of Minnesota before accepting an offer from IBM; he
spent more than 25 years with the company as a systems engineer,
product manager, marketing manager, and financial services
liaison, and many of his former employees have recalled the
positive impact he had on their careers; subsequent to his tenure
with IBM, he became a product director for Continental Airlines;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Spikes began to work with children and young
adults after retiring to the Texas Hill Country; he was involved
with the Ignite SystemsGo Aeroscience program at Fredericksburg
High School, which challenges students to design, build, and
successfully launch a rocket one mile into the air; he then
introduced the program to the Ingram Independent School District,
and it is now a part of the curriculum there; and
WHEREAS, A volunteer at Greystone Preparatory School in
Kerrville, Mr. Spikes mentored students seeking an appointment to
one of the five United States service academies, and he further
distinguished himself as a member of the Greystone advisory board;
in addition, he was elected to the Hunt Independent School District
Board of Trustees, determined to expand educational offerings in
math and science and improve technology in the classroom;
administrators at Hunt ISD will continue his important work with
the John Spikes Technology Initiative, which was created through
donations made in his honor after his passing; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Spikes enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Virginia, and his children, Jeff and Susan;
and
WHEREAS, John Spikes was an outstanding businessman and a
devoted community leader, and he touched the lives of not only those
who knew him best but also countless young men and women who
benefited from his efforts in their schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John V. Spikes and
extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Virginia; to his son, Jeff, and his wife, Crystal; to his daughter,
Susan; to his grandchildren; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of John V.
Spikes.