SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 419
In Memory
of
James T. Willerson
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Dr. James T. Willerson, who died
September 16, 2020; and
WHEREAS, James Willerson was an exemplary citizen and a
highly esteemed physician whose research in the field of
cardiovascular medicine had a positive impact on the lives of
countless people; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 16, 1939, Dr. Willerson
graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Texas at Austin,
where he was a four-year letterman in swimming and was a member of
the Texas Cowboys and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity; he earned
his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and he
received his postgraduate training at Harvard Medical School and
the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston; and
WHEREAS, He was widely known for his exceptional skill in
diagnosing and treating patients, and he cared for more than
3,000 patients in his medical practice; during the COVID-19
pandemic, he continued to see patients daily, up until shortly
before the time of his passing; he was noted for his warm and
personable manner, and he was trusted and admired for the
attentive care and sense of priority with which he treated each
of his patients; and
WHEREAS, He concentrated his medical research on the
detection and treatment of unstable atherosclerotic plaques and
on the discovery of the genes and abnormal proteins responsible
for cardiovascular disease; he was awarded 15 patents as a result
of his research, and he cofounded four biotechnology start-up
companies that translated his research team's discoveries into
clinical practice; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Willerson was one of the longest-serving
editors-in-chief of Circulation, a prestigious journal of the
American Heart Association; in addition, he edited or coedited 27
textbooks and published more than 1,030 articles in major
scientific journals, and he served as a visiting professor and
lecturer at more than 260 institutions worldwide; and
WHEREAS, He and his former wife of 43 years, Nancy Beamer
Willerson, were blessed with two daughters, Sara Willerson and
Dr. Amy Willerson; his grandchildren, James, Grace, and Thomas
Suerth, were a source of much pride and joy for him; and
WHEREAS, A world-renowned researcher and medical expert
and a talented and devoted physician, Dr. James Willerson
dedicated himself to the pursuit of discovery and advancement in
the field of cardiovascular medicine; he was honored with
numerous accolades from around the globe that are bestowed for
the highest achievements in medical practice, research, and
leadership, and his invaluable contributions to his field will
continue to benefit future generations for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Dr. James T. Willerson; 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 Willerson.
Lucio
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2021, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate