87R30416 CJM-D
By: Kacal H.R. No. 2047
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of James B. Prewitt, who passed away on April 10, 2021, at
the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Jim Prewitt was born on November 13, 1940, and he was
raised on the family farm near Kirbyville, where he developed a
lifelong love and appreciation for agriculture; at a young age, he
lost his arm in a farming accident, a traumatic experience that
ultimately helped reinforce his resilient spirit and never deterred
him from hard work; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Prewitt attended Sam Houston State University
and met the woman who would be his partner in life, love, and
business, Paula Biggs; they shared 58 years of marriage and were
blessed with three daughters, and they cherished time spent with
their children and grandchildren at the family retreat on the
Sabine River; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Prewitt served as a congressional intern in
Washington, D.C., which sparked his abiding interest in policy and
politics; he returned to Texas and established Landmark Nurseries,
Incorporated, and under his guidance as chief executive officer,
the company evolved into one of the largest wholesale nursery
distributors in the southern United States; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Prewitt gave
extensively of his time and funds to charitable, civic, and
professional organizations, and he was an ardent supporter of
several Texas livestock shows and rodeos; his philanthropy extended
to Texas universities, and his generosity enriched the lives of
thousands of children in FFA and 4-H programs; he received numerous
honors for his contributions, including the Texas Agricultural
Lifetime Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award; a man of many
talents, he was admired for his skill in business, bass fishing, and
storytelling; and
WHEREAS, In both his professional career and his volunteer
efforts, Mr. Prewitt had an indelible impact on the entire Texas
green industry; he led the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
Political Action Committee as chair and was an active member of the
board for many years; due to his lifetime commitment to the green
industry, he was awarded the TNLA Arp Award, the Texas industry's
highest individual recognition; and
WHEREAS, Jim Prewitt embraced life to the fullest, and he
will forever remain a vibrant presence for those who knew and loved
him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James B. Prewitt and
extend sincere condolences to his relatives and 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 Jim
Prewitt.