84R17654 RMA-D
By: Murr H.R. No. 1739
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Medina County judge James E. Barden retired on
December 31, 2014, concluding more than a decade of exemplary
service to his fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, After graduating with both a bachelor of business
administration degree and a juris doctor degree from The University
of Texas at Austin, Jim Barden operated a private practice for three
years and went on to enjoy a career in corporate law spanning three
decades at Southwestern Bell and AT&T, where he was eventually
promoted to vice president of law and government affairs; and
WHEREAS, Elected county judge in 2002, Judge Barden ably
managed the county budget, bolstered subdivision rules and
regulations, and assisted in the acquisition of new government
office space by purchasing and renovating existing buildings; he
also supported the foundation stabilization project for the county
courthouse and helped the Medina County Nutrition Program gain
nonprofit status; and
WHEREAS, Long committed to the betterment of his community,
this dynamic Texan previously served with distinction for seven
years as mayor of his hometown of Hondo, and he has given generously
of his time and talents as a trustee of the Hill Country Mental
Health Developmental Disabilities Centers and as a member of the
board of directors of the Alamo Area Council of Governments and the
Alamo Area Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Retirement will afford Judge Barden the opportunity
to spend more time with his treasured family, including his wife of
57 years, Bebe Barden, and his four children and seven
grandchildren, as well as to indulge in his favorite leisure
activities of ranching, hunting, fishing, and reading; and
WHEREAS, Judge Barden has made a positive difference in the
lives of countless Medina County residents, and his dedication,
leadership, and public spirit will be a continuing source of
inspiration in the years ahead; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Honorable James E. Barden on
his retirement as Medina County judge and extend to him sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Judge Barden as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.