H.R. No. 1526
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of a respected business leader drew to a
close with the passing of James Michael Chargois on December 9,
2020, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, Born in the Houston's historic Third Ward on
November 27, 1944, Michael Chargois was the son of Sidney A.
Chargois and Viola Judice Chargois; he grew up with six siblings,
Sidney, Alvin, Rose Mary, Carl, Gerard, and Lois Ann; his
entrepreneurial spirit and passion for automobiles manifested
themselves at an early age, when he started a lawn mowing business
and used the earnings to build a vehicle by hand; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Yates High School,
Mr. Chargois attended Texas Christian University and embarked on a
noteworthy career in the automotive industry; his Austin-based
company, Pavilion Lincoln-Mercury, was named one of the nation's
top Black-owned businesses within three years of its inception; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chargois went on to establish JMC Auto Group,
which earned recognition as the state's largest Black-owned
automotive business; it included dealerships not only in Austin,
Houston, and San Marcos, but also in Memphis, Tennessee; later, as
founder of JMC Enterprises, he diversified into real estate
development and holdings, equity investments, restaurants, and a
vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina; his achievements as a trailblazing
entrepreneur received attention from numerous industry and
general-interest publications, among them the New York Times, Time
magazine, the Austin Business Journal, and Black Enterprise; and
WHEREAS, Despite his success, Mr. Chargois remained humble,
kind, and approachable; he was a mentor to many over the years, and
he gave generously to numerous worthy causes and organizations;
sustained by a strong faith, he was a member of St. James' Episcopal
Church in Austin and St. James' Episcopal Church in Houston; in his
free time, he enjoyed drag racing, collecting antique cars, Creole
cooking, and playing golf; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chargois shared a fulfilling marriage with his
wife of 36 years, Roxann Thomas Chargois; he took great pride in his
five children, Katrina, Charles, Nailah, Julian Michael, and
Morgan, as well as his five grandchildren, Brianna, William, Kayla,
Kiana, and Raegan; and
WHEREAS, Although Michael Chargois is greatly missed, he left
his family and friends with many cherished memories, and he will
forever hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of James Michael
Chargois and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; 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 Michael
Chargois.
Dutton
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1526 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 19, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House