August 6, 2025 - TRA Newswire - 

The Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission, San Antonio banker James Bruce Bugg, Jr., reportedly had complications following back surgery and passed away Wednesday morning. He was 70 years old.

As Chairman, Bugg presided over the board that oversees statewide activities at the Texas Department of Transportation. 

He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as a commissioner on Feb. 13, 2015 and confirmed by the Texas State Senate on March 17, 2015, for a six-year term. On Sept. 19, 2017, Governor Abbott appointed Bugg as Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission. On Feb. 23, 2021, Governor Abbott reappointed Bugg to a new six year term to continue serving as Chairman and was confirmed by the Texas State Senate on March 31, 2021. Bugg’s current term would have expired on Feb. 1, 2027.

Governor Abbott was quoted by the Quorum Report as saying "Bruce was a remarkable and tireless public servant whose vision and leadership reshaped the future of Texas."

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said "Chairman Bugg was a steadfast leader whose vision and dedication helped shape the future of transportation across our state. His commitment to improving safety, expanding mobility, and strengthening Texas’ infrastructure has left an enduring legacy that will benefit generations to come. Beyond his professional achievements, Chairman Bugg was a man of integrity, compassion, and genuine care for the people he served. He listened intently, led decisively, and always placed the needs of Texans at the forefront of every decision."

Executive Director Williams noted "On behalf of TxDOT we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Texas has lost a remarkable public servant, and we are grateful for the time we had to work alongside him in service to our great state.”

Chairman Bugg always ran an upbeat commission meeting each month and was proud of the accomplishments of the agency. He penned an editorial on the TxDOT website that read "Texas is booming.  Our state adds a new Texan almost every minute of every day. Our quality of life and vibrant $2.4 trillion economy make our state an attractive place to live and a compelling destination for future Texans. While growth poses challenges, TxDOT is meeting the moment with a record investment in our transportation system to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses. " 

Previously, Bugg was appointed to serve as chairman and president of the Texas Economic Development Corporation and a senior advisor to Governor Perry on the State of Texas’ economic development strategies and initiatives from 2012 to May, 2014. Prior to this appointment, Bugg was appointed to serve as the governor’s appointee on the Board of Directors of Humanities Texas in Austin, Texas.

Bugg was chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Southwest Bancshares, Inc., a Texas bank holding company for Texas Partners Bank, and chairman and chief executive officer of Texas Partners Bank. Texas Partners Bank operates under the names of The Bank of San Antonio, The Bank of Austin and Texas Hill Country Bank. In addition, Bugg also served as chairman and chief executive officer of Argyle Investment Co., L.L.C., a private investment firm.

Bugg was also chairman and trustee of The Tobin Endowment, a private charitable foundation, in San Antonio, Texas and founding chairman and co-founder of the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation, owner of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio.

Bugg served as a trustee of the Board of Trustees of the McNay Art Museum, a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Cultural Trust, and a member of the Board of Directors of The Santa Fe Opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a former board member of San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, former trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, former trustee of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Hall, a private school in San Antonio, Texas, former chairman of the Board of Governors of Cancer Therapy & Research Center, and former officer and trustee of the Texas Research and Technology Foundation.

Bugg was a member of the State Bar of Texas and held juris doctorate and bachelor of business administration degrees from Southern Methodist University. He was married to Alethea Bugg and has two sons, Jim and Tom. Bugg was an Eagle Scout.

Photo credit: TxDOT