Rep. Roy issues statement on the passing of James White

Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Sunday afternoon:

Carrah and I were devastated to hear of the passing of Mr. (James) White - the long time proprietor of the Broken Spoke in South Austin, Texas. We are praying for Mrs. White and their whole family — including the extended Austin community family that knew and loved him.

There are no words for me to explain how much he represents all that I love about Texas — the music, the values, the history, the kindness, the faith, and the spirit we all share. The first night I ever went "out on the town" in Austin, Texas was to hear the Derailers at the Broken Spoke back in 1999 only to end up at the old Horseshoe Lounge down the street. A few years later, my wife and I took our wedding party to the Spoke after our reception to hear those same Derailers, and they were kind enough — at Mr. White's request — to play the song "Jackpot" for me about my bride.

Years later, after countless concerts, lone stars, shiners, and a few chicken fried steaks, I came to know Mr. White much more personally at an event in the fall of 2019 when Monte Warden and the Wagoneers played as I was there with my friends Mollie and Mark Hemingway. We took a picture with Mr. White that evening, and I didn't think much about it. Then, a couple months later, I swung by to say hello and I walked into the museum area by the bar, and lo and behold — next to all those great Texas stars like Willie, George Strait, or former Governors — there was that picture. I tweeted it out like a little child because it's the coolest thing I could imagine: having a picture with Mr. White, me, and my friend Mollie there in the Spoke alongside all these legends.

Finally, Mr. White was so kind to me personally and supportive of me, and I will be forever grateful. In the heat of the campaign last year, he graciously helped us host a "back the blue" rally we held in Austin this past October. He was so supportive of the Austin community, of law enforcement, and obviously the Austin music scene.

We will miss you, Mr. White. I don't know what's in store for the Broken Spoke, but I know I hate that I won't walk through that door to see your beaming smile, your trademark vest, and know that we can sit and talk. But I will do everything I can to make sure Texans for generations to come will know what you meant and represent to all of us.

God Bless Mrs. White, Ginny (Virginia), and your entire family. We love you all.