James W. Holbrook's Obituary
HOLBROOK, JAMES W. Born October 15, 1927 in Forney, TX and passed away April 4, 2012 in Dallas, TX. Preceded in death by sons, Jimmy and Hal Holbrook. James is survived by daughters, Karen Piper, Diane Holbrook Medina ; daughter in law, Diane Holbrook; grandchildren, Marci, Michelle, Kelli, Jimmy III, Brian, Stacy, Joey; 11 great grandchildren; and sister, Mary Jon Rawlings. James Holbrook loved Jesus, the University of Texas Longhorns, the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers. After serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, James W. Holbrook started working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, as a Cable Splicer’s Helper. He came to CWA in 1948 as a Union Steward, remaining active in that position until 1958, when he was elected Secretary of Local 6215, James became President in 1962. As Chief Spokesman for Local 6215, he led the local through the troubled times of the sixties. In 1968 he went back to the workforce, and was a Chief Steward from 1969 until 1979, at which time Mr. Holbrook was elected Vice-President of Local 6215. He maintained that position until 1987, when he was elected Executive Vice-President. Elected as our Legislative Director, James was a familiar figure in Dallas political circles. In 1964, he was elected Democratic Chairman of his precinct, and was a Labor Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Lyndon Johnson was nominated at this convention, and later was elected President. Though Holbrook retired as Executive Vice President of Communications Workers of America, Local 6215 and Southwestern Bell, he remained active as a Vice-President of the Texas AFL-CIO and at his passing was President of CWA/Texas Political Legislative Conference (TPLC). Also during retirement, he served as Assistant to the Commissioner of Labor at the Texas Employment Commission. Though “retired” his life long desire was to serve the interests of working men and women of Texas, always standing tall for worker’s rights. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692 Dallas TX 75284-0692. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm, Monday, April 9th at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held at 12:30pm, Tuesday, April 10th at Restland Memorial Chapel.
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