SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22
In Memory
of
James Chestnut Watson
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Houston in mourning the loss of Dr. James Chestnut Watson, who
died May 23, 2011, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born in Trenton, New Jersey, James Watson earned
his medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine; in
1964, he became the first African American to receive a medical
internship at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana; and
WHEREAS, After moving to Houston in 1965, he earned his
master's degree in public health from The University of Texas
Health Science Center at Houston; he went on to serve in a Houston
clinic, where he was noted for often treating patients free of
charge; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Dr. Watson was named to the board of
managers of the Harris County Hospital District; he later served
as the director of public health for the City of Houston from 1978
to 1980 and was the first African American to hold that position;
he welcomed these appointments as opportunities to ensure that
more people would have access to health care; he later also
served as medical director at the Harris County Sheriff's
Department in 1983; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary gentleman, Dr. Watson was respected
in the community for his many accomplishments and for his
remarkably generous nature; he was deeply committed to his work
as a physician and to helping all who were in need of care; and
WHEREAS, A man of integrity and high standards, Dr. Watson
gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Dr. James Watson was devoted to his patients, his
friends, and his family, and he will long be remembered with
affection and appreciation by all who were privileged to share in
his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere
condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. James Chestnut Watson:
his wife of 24 years, Marlene M. Watson; his sister, Ruby Watson
Marshall; his four daughters and his stepdaughter; his nine
grandchildren; his great-grandson; and his many other beloved
relatives and friends; 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. James Watson.
Ellis
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on June 9, 2011, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate