88S40787 CJM-D
By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 45
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Laredo lost an admired community
leader with the death of Javier Garza on August 27, 2023, at the age
of 93; and
WHEREAS, Javier Garza was born to Felix Garza and Francisca
Salinas Garza on February 9, 1930; raised in Laredo, he grew up with
the companionship of a brother, Luis; he graduated from
St. Augustine High School with the Class of 1947 and later enrolled
at the Southern Methodist University Southwestern Graduate School
of Banking; and
WHEREAS, After high school, Mr. Garza joined Laredo National
Bank as a messenger, and he was soon trained in departmental
operations; he went on to rise through the ranks and eventually
became executive vice president in charge of the international
department, where he distinguished himself through his expertise on
the banking system in Mexico; though he officially retired after 51
years of service, he continued to act as a trusted consultant to the
bank; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Garza gave of his time
and talents as president of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and the
Logistics and Manufacturing Association, and he served as chair of
the board and interim executive director for the Laredo Development
Foundation, which later became the Laredo Economic Development
Corporation; moreover, he was appointed to the Texas Economic
Development and Tourism Office and the board of the Federal Reserve
Bank of Dallas; his accomplishments included helping establish the
Maquiladora twin plant system in the Laredo area as well as the
city's first cold storage facility, and he was instrumental in
developing new shipping routes for Mexican coffee that funneled the
commodity through Laredo; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional and civic endeavors,
Mr. Garza maintained several ranches in South Texas, where he
enjoyed hosting family and impressing guests with his skill in
making guisado; he was also an avid and expert deer hunter; and
WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Garza was devoted to his wife of
73 years, Cristina, and their children, Lauro, Adrienne, David, and
Roberto; with the passing years, he had the privilege of seeing his
family grow to include his nine grandchildren, Evan, Cristina,
Lauren, Morgan, Joseph, Laura, Mary, Christopher, and Nicholas, and
five great-grandchildren, Kai, Sena, Nino, Roma, and Felix; and
WHEREAS, Javier Garza earned the admiration of all who knew
him, not only for his success as a business and civic leader but
also for his exceptional kindness and generosity, and he leaves
behind a legacy that will resonate in the Laredo community for years
to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 4th
Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Javier Garza and
extend sincere condolences to his family and friends; 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 Javier Garza.