State Senate pays tribute to Sen. Williamson

The Oklahoma State Senate will soon say goodbye to Sen. James A. Williamson.  The Republican Leader Emeritus is completing his final session in the Senate due to term limits.  This week, Williamson’s family and friends gathered in the Senate Chamber to watch his colleagues pay tribute to the Tulsa legislator.

“Senator Williamson brought tremendous wisdom, insight, leadership and integrity to this body.  He is a man of superior intellect and diverse talents, and we have all been enriched as individuals and as an institution because of his service,” said Senate Co- President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee.

Williamson began his legislative career in the Oklahoma House of Representatives where he served from 1980 through 1986.  In 1996, he was elected to represent District 35 in the State Senate.

While in the Senate, he served as both Assistant Republican Floor Leader and Republican Floor Leader.  As a result of his efforts to protect the lives of unborn babies, Williamson was recipient of the Americans United for Life “Defender of Life” award.  He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“It has been an extreme honor to serve in the Oklahoma State Senate.  I believe in this institution, and urge all future Senators to remember the decorum and thoughtful deliberation that are the hallmarks of this body,” Williamson said.  “I want to thank my fellow members for their friendship and many wonderful memories, and my constituents for allowing me to represent them here.  It has been a privilege.”

Among Williamson’s friends and family present for Tuesday’s ceremony were his wife, Sandra, and children, Angela, Kenn and Andrew.