[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1248-E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JAMES RODARTE

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 2014

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
contributions of the late James Rodarte, a lover of music and 
photography, and a passionate community leader in Southwest San 
Antonio. Mr. Rodarte served his community through his vocal advocacy 
for transportation solutions in Southwest San Antonio.
  Mr. Rodarte was born August 12, 1959, to James and Anita Rodarte. He 
inherited his witty sense of humor from his mother and the two were 
often caught laughing at their own private jokes. He was adored by his 
sisters Debra, Diane, Denise, and Dori. Mr. Rodarte attended Ivanhoe 
and David Crockett Elementary Schools, Edgewood Middle School, and 
graduated from Kennedy High School in 1978.
  Mr. Rodarte had a lifelong passion for music and photography. Every 
Christmas growing up he turned the family living room into a photo 
studio, sweetly providing a family portrait as his yearly gift. As an 
adult he volunteered his time taking pictures of Edgewood High School 
activities and received particular joy from taking photos of all 
athletic teams.
  A talented musician, Mr. Rodarte played the trombone, drums, and bass 
guitar. He particularly enjoyed playing his five-string bass with 
conjuntos. Mr. Rodarte played with the legendary San Antonio Marching 
Band, and though diabetes may have prevented him from marching, he 
didn't let his condition stop him from participating. He would drive 
the ``chase vehicle'' behind the band. Whenever a musician tired, they 
could pull out of the ranks and get into his vehicle to rest for a 
while.
  Mr. Rodarte combined his love of music and photography by taking 
pictures and videotaping Tejano performances, especially during San 
Antonio's yearly Fiesta celebration. He would upload performances to 
YouTube for the local community to enjoy.
  The legacy that Mr. Rodarte will most be remembered for was his 
dogged campaign to provide relief for the citizens living in the 
Zarzamora Street and Frio City Road area from traffic delays caused by 
train traffic. These daily delays force the community to wait longer 
than 30 minutes while the trains inexplicably stop in the middle of 
this residential neighborhood.
  Mr. Rodarte spearheaded the community's demands for a solution. He 
was a constant presence at City Council and Commissioners Court 
meetings, presenting a plan to build an overpass to provide relief to 
the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the life 
of James Rodarte, a lover of music and photography, and a dedicated 
community leader.

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