H.R. No. 298
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of Belton lost an esteemed community leader
with the passing of former mayor Ira James Covington on December 20,
2018, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Jim Covington was born to Ira and Hazel Covington on
December 12, 1944, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma; he embarked on a
successful career in banking and later went into property
management with Covington Rentals; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated public servant gave back to his
fellow residents as a member of the Belton City Council, and he went
on to hold the office of mayor from 2006 to 2014; during his tenure,
he helped create a strategic plan to address the area's rapid
growth, and under his leadership, the city launched the Nolan Creek
improvement project and began work on the Martin Luther King Jr.
Avenue bridge, which opened in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Covington further contributed to his community
through his involvement with the parks board, the Belton Area
Chamber of Commerce, and the C.A.R.E. Leadership Network, which he
helped found; moreover, he was a valued congregant of First Baptist
Belton, where he was a trustee, deacon, and Sunday school teacher;
in recognition of his many accomplishments, he was named an
honorary alumnus of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Covington enjoyed a rewarding marriage with his
wife, Terri, and he took great pride in his two sons, Barrett and
Dave, and three grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Although Jim Covington's death has brought great
sorrow to those who loved him, his life was an inspiring example of
the good that one person can accomplish; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of former Belton mayor
Ira James "Jim" Covington and extend sincere condolences to all who
mourn his passing; 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 Jim
Covington.
Shine
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 298 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 13, 2019.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House