SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 282
In Memory
of
James W. Arnold
WHEREAS, A full and productive life drew to a close with
the passing of James W. Arnold of Tyler on January 19, 2019, at
the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born in Arp on February 8, 1931, Jim Arnold was
the son of Loys and Clara Arnold; he grew up with two brothers,
Richard and Paul, and he graduated as valedictorian of London
High School; while completing his bachelor's degree in
mechanical engineering at Southern Methodist University, he
worked during summers as a roughneck; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Arnold married his high school sweetheart,
the former Bessie Nell Hazzard, on July 19, 1952, and they
settled in Tyler, where they raised their four children, Sherry,
Keith, Jamie, and Mollie; in later years, he welcomed into his
treasured family nine grandsons, Ben, Walter, James, Stephen,
Jonathan, John, Jimmy, Will, and A. D., and four granddaughters,
Melissa, Nellie, Bessie, and Lilly, as well as eight
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Arnold's career began with Woolf & Magee,
where he was hired as a drilling engineer and rose to become
president and owner of the company; a leader in his industry, he
served as president of the board of the International Association
of Drilling Contractors; he also enjoyed investing in oil and gas
ventures, and he was a member of the boards of the American
Petroleum Institute and the National Petroleum Council; highly
respected in the Tyler business community, he was a founding
director of Heritage National Bank and president of the Tyler
Area Chamber of Commerce board; he further served as chair of the
East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, chair of
the Stewart Regional Blood Center, and president of the Texas
Rose Festival Association; for more than two decades, he
officiated high school football games, and he served as president
of the Tyler Chapter of the Southwest Football Officials
Association; he was also a valued member of Green Acres Baptist
Church for nearly 45 years and served as deacon emeritus, and his
strong faith shone through his generosity and compassion; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community,
Jim Arnold made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved
ones and fellow citizens alike, and his contributions will be
fondly remembered for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of James W. Arnold
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 Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of James W. "Jim" Arnold.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 27, 2019,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate