SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 481
In Memory
of
James Avery
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of James Avery, who died April 30, 2018, at
the age of 96; and
WHEREAS, James Avery was born December 7, 1921, in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; he served the nation with distinction
during World War II as a B-26 pilot with the United States Army
Air Corps and flew 44 missions over Germany; and
WHEREAS, After the war, he earned a degree in industrial
design from the University of Illinois and taught for a time at
the University of Colorado, where he began exploring
jewelry-making techniques; and
WHEREAS, He started a jewelry business in 1954 in a garage
with $250 in capital; due to his artistic vision and superb
craftsmanship, his business, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, grew
to become a national leader in the jewelry industry; today, the
company has five manufacturing facilities in the Texas Hill
Country and 80 stores across five states; and
WHEREAS, James Avery believed strongly in fairness,
equality, and caring for others, and Christian symbolism played
an important role in his design work; throughout his life, he
gave generously to many in need, as well as to childhood and
higher education initiatives, to organizations that support
health and well-being, to the arts and the humanities, to first
responders, and to many faith-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, An exceptionally creative and dynamic individual,
James Avery touched the lives of many through his work and art,
and his dedication to his family and his enthusiasm for living
each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by those who were
privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of James Avery; 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 James Avery.
Buckingham
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 26, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate