H.R. No. 797
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Jim Dunlap retired as an instructor and curator at
Holifield Science Learning Center in the Plano Independent School
District in December 2010, bringing to a close an exemplary career
in education that has spanned nearly three and a half decades; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dunlap first became fascinated with animals when
he was growing up in Mesquite; by the age of 10, he had a collection
of 52 box turtles, and his father built a shed in the backyard to
house them; and
WHEREAS, After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, Mr.
Dunlap returned to Texas and started his career as a biology teacher
at Plano Senior High School in the 1970s; he engaged students with
his passion for nature and especially captured their attention when
he shared his live animal collection; his classes soon became so
popular that he had to move rooms every few years to accommodate the
demand; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dunlap and his growing menagerie eventually
relocated from the school building entirely; in 1989, the
district's science learning center opened, and Mr. Dunlap became
curator of the Living Materials Center there; no longer Plano
Senior High's resource alone, Mr. Dunlap became an icon to
thousands of local students who learned hands-on about the
fascinating world of animals during field trips to the center or
during Mr. Dunlap's visits to their classrooms with his animals in
tow; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, a variety of creatures have made
their home at the Living Materials Center, some permanently and
some until a better place could be found; among the 200 to 400
regular residents are Blossom the cockatoo, who dances to the song
"Barbara Ann," Wilma the turkey buzzard, Louie the bobcat, and Toby
the African spur-thighed tortoise; Katy the python, a longtime
companion of Mr. Dunlap's who earned him the nickname "the snake
man," was a favorite of students until she passed away; although the
center will not be the same without Mr. Dunlap's delightful
presence, his contributions will forever be reflected in the
facility's new name, the Jim Dunlap Living Materials Center; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dunlap's reputation extends well beyond Plano
ISD, thanks to his many appearances on cable television and his
published works, including nonfiction and children's fiction; in
retirement, he will continue to share his insights and knowledge
about animals as an employee of the Dallas Zoo; and
WHEREAS, Beloved by generations of North Texans, Jim Dunlap
inspired in countless students curiosity and excitement about the
natural world, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor him for his
outstanding service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Jim Dunlap on his retirement from
Plano ISD and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Dunlap as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Taylor of Collin
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 797 was adopted by the House on March
17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House