H.R. No. 2539
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of assistant fire chief James Dwight
Barkham Jr. of Forney on November 28, 2016, at the age of 56; and
WHEREAS, Born in Dallas on December 30, 1959, Jamie Barkham
was the son of Jim and Ninva Barkham and the brother of Cindy,
Laurie, and Jeanine; he graduated from Skyline High School in 1978
and subsequently earned an associate degree in applied arts and
science; he went on to work at Steakley Chevrolet for two decades
before accepting a position with Southwest Airlines, where he
served as a ground support equipment and plant maintenance mechanic
for 18 years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Barkham joined the Forney Fire Department as a
volunteer firefighter in January 1987, and over the years, he
steadily advanced through the ranks, serving in a number of
leadership roles before earning promotion to assistant chief; in
honor of his exemplary efforts, he was named Firefighter of the Year
multiple times; he was also presented with a Life Saving Award and a
CareFlite letter of recognition, and in 2013, he received a
certificate of excellence from Texas State Senator Bob Deuell for
standing vigil for the firefighters killed by the fertilizer plant
explosion in West; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Mr. Barkham shared 32
rewarding years of marriage with his wife, Laurie, and their
treasured family eventually grew to include their two sons, Brent
Barkham and his wife, Keely, and Jacob Barkham and his wife, Kaci,
and four grandchildren, Bailey, Landry, Seann, and Graci; in his
leisure hours, he loved cooking and spending time in the great
outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his sons; and
WHEREAS, Jamie Barkham distinguished himself through his
remarkable kindness, courage, and dedication to duty, and though
his life ended far too soon, he leaves behind a legacy that will be
forever cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have known
him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Dwight Barkham
Jr. and extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives and many
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 Jamie
Barkham.
Gooden
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2539 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 28, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House