Senate Resolution No. 8 honors the life and legacy of Dr. James F. Arens, who passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Minnesota, Dr. Arens pursued a distinguished career in medicine after earning his medical degree from Creighton University in 1959. His extensive service included a residency in Hawaii and New Orleans, followed by four years in the United States Air Force, where he established an intensive care unit. He later became the chairman of anesthesiology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and held leadership positions at several prestigious medical institutions, including the University of Mississippi and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Arens was recognized for his contributions to anesthesiology and medical education, receiving numerous accolades throughout his career.
The resolution expresses the Texas Senate's condolences to Dr. Arens' family, highlighting his dedication to his profession and his commitment to mentoring aspiring medical professionals. He is remembered not only for his professional excellence but also for his cherished family life, including his wife Ann and their two children. The Senate pays tribute to Dr. Arens' legacy, which continues to inspire those he impacted throughout his life, and concludes with a request for a copy of the resolution to be prepared for his family as a gesture of sympathy.