LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – (News release from the City of Lubbock)
The City of Lubbock is saddened by the death of longtime City planner, James (Jim) Bertram. Jim passed away on Tuesday in Lubbock.
Dedicated to his community and profession, he held many integral positions within the City organization:
1966 – 1968: Assistant City Planner1970 – 1982: Director of Planning1983 – 1993: Assistant City Manager for Development Services1993 – 2001: Director of Strategic Planning
During his more than three decades with the City of Lubbock, he was instrumental in many of the major projects across Lubbock, including the zoning and building of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, Interstate 27 and the creation of the Marsha Sharp Freeway.
The project he is most known for is the Canyon Lakes System that now bears his name. Betram had an unprecedented vision to create a massive greenbelt, and public use space using reclaimed water, in the City’s canyons.
That project lead to the largest reclaimed water system in the United States that is still underway with the current work on the future Lake 7.
Lubbock City Manager Jarrett Atkinson says Jim’s legacy will continue to impact citizens far into the future.
“Jim Bertram was a progressive thinker and planner. From the late 1960s, he worked toward the future of Lubbock and its citizens,” said Atkinson. “His impact on the community cannot be overstated — for decades, his dedication and vision shaped nearly every major project, touched countless lives, and his contributions to the community will continue to be felt for years to come.”
For a historical look at the Jim Bertram Canyon Lakes System, with Jim Bertram, click here.
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