[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES ROBERT PAXTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
James Robert Paxton, a veteran, civic servant, and personal friend who 
passed away August 2, 2009 at the age of 86.
  ``Jim Bob,'' as he was known to his friends and family, was born 
September 15, 1923. The youngest child of Eugene Stratton Paxton and 
Ella Clark Paxton, ``Jim Bob'' grew up in Elkhart, Texas before 
attending Baylor University. Deciding to put his education on hold, 
``Jim Bob'' enlisted in the United States Navy as an officer where he 
taught airplane recognition in World War II. His service in the U.S. 
Navy took him many places, including his arrival on the Japanese island 
of Nagasaki to help liberate American and Allied prisoners the day 
after the atom bomb was dropped.
  After World War II, ``Jim Bob'' returned to Baylor University to 
complete his undergraduate degree before attending law school at 
Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Paxton then served 
two terms in the Texas Legislature, where he met and fell in love with 
his wife, Doris, whom he married in 1954. The couple moved to Palestine 
where they lived and raised their family, and where Mr. Paxton 
practiced law for more than fifty years. Among his many outstanding 
achievements, ``Jim Bob'' was appointed by Governor Dolph Brisco to 
serve on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.
  As evident through his military and civic service, Mr. Paxton was not 
only a leader in his home as a loving husband and father, but a leader 
in his community and country. He was known as a man of faith, who lived 
his life in devotion to God, and he will be missed by those who knew 
him.
  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Doris Lee Hall Paxton, their 
five daughters, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and 
friends. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in 
remembrance of this great American, James Robert Paxton.

                          ____________________