[Senate Document 109-6]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
109th Congress S.Doc 109-6
______________________________________________________________________
J. James Exon
LATE A SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES AND
OTHER TRIBUTES
IN THE CONGRESS OF
THE UNITED STATES
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
J. James Exon
Senate Historical Office
Memorial Addresses and
Other Tributes
HELD IN THE SENATE
AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNITED STATES
TOGETHER WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE
IN HONOR OF
J. JAMES EXON
Late a Senator from Nebraska
One Hundred Ninth Congress
First Session
a
Compiled under the direction
of the
Joint Committee on Printing
Trent Lott, Chairman
CONTENTS
Biography.............................................
v
Proceedings in the Senate:
Tributes by Senators:
Bennett, Robert F., of Utah
...............................................
.....
4, 5, 6
Bingaman, Jeff, of New Mexico..................
10
Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota..................
14
Domenici, Pete V., of New Mexico...............
9
Frist, William H., of Tennessee................
3, 12
Hagel, Chuck, of Nebraska......................
4
Harkin, Tom, of Iowa...........................
10
Levin, Carl, of Michigan.......................
12
Nelson, E. Benjamin, of Nebraska...............
6
Reid, Harry, of Nevada
...............................................
............
3, 12, 13
Proceedings in the House of Representatives...........
17
Memorial Service......................................
19
BIOGRAPHY
Jim Exon was born in South Dakota, on August 9, 1921, to
John and Luella Exon. He was raised in the rural community
of Lake Andes, SD. He moved to Nebraska and attended the
University of Omaha from 1939 to 1942. He was awarded an
honorary doctor of law degree by Creighton University in
1991. He also has honorary doctor of law degrees from the
University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Doane College, Crete,
NE.
He volunteered for the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served
2 years overseas in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan.
He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant in
December 1945 and served in the Army Reserve until 1949.
Prior to leaving for the South Pacific, Jim Exon married
Patricia Pros of Omaha. They celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary in 1993. The Exons have three children, Steve,
Pam and Candy, three grandsons and five granddaughters.
Following World War II, Jim Exon returned to Nebraska
and started his business career in 1946 with the Universal
Finance Corporation. In 1954 Pat and Jim founded Exon's
Incorporated, which grew into one of Nebraska's best known
office equipment companies.
Throughout his career Jim Exon was a member of the Holy
Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, NE, and was active in
a wide range of professional and civic activities.
Jim Exon was introduced to politics at an early age by
his parents and his grandfather who served as a county
judge in South Dakota. Campaigning for his grandfather was
his first experience in grassroots politics. His parents
were active leaders in the South Dakota Democratic Party.
He became a prominent leader of the Nebraska Democratic
Party, serving as State vice chairman and national
committeeman.
In his first bid for public office, Jim Exon was elected
Governor of Nebraska in 1970 and was re-elected in 1974 to
a second term. He served as Governor of Nebraska longer
than any other person in the State's history. As Governor,
he applied his business skills of fiscal responsibility to
State government, where he balanced the State's budget for
8 consecutive years.
In 1978, Governor Exon marked a milestone by being the
only Governor Nebraskans elected directly to the U.S.
Senate. He was re-elected to a second term in 1984 and a
third term in 1990. He continued his history of fiscal
responsibility in the Senate, where he returned almost $4
million allocated to run his Senate office. The book
``Politics in America'' produced by Congressional
Quarterly magazine said this about Senator Exon:
Exon makes a real contribution to the Senate as a mirror
of public opinion in America's heartland. It is hard to
think of anyone else in the chamber who seems as attuned
to the questions and concerns of the typical middle-
American.
In the Senate, Exon was recognized nationally as a
spokesman for fiscal responsibility, agriculture and rural
America and an authority on national defense, commerce and
transportation issues.
Known as a fighter for fiscal responsibility, Senator
Exon, as a senior member of the Budget Committee, authored
and secured passage of the only spending reduction in
1994, a $13 billion real cut.
Senator Exon was the author of the Communications
Decency Act, a law which protects children from computer
pornography by making it illegal to send indecent material
to a child or to display it on-line in areas where kids
can get to it. The law also strengthened and updated other
protections against telecommunication harassment and
pornography.
Senator Exon, as a senior member of the Strategic Forces
Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the U.S. strategic
command in Bellevue, oversaw the U.S. nuclear arsenal and
nuclear weapons production clean-up effort.
As a senior member of the Subcommittee on Surface
Transportation, Exon played a key role in railroad safety.
A bill originated by Exon and passed in 1992 mandated
high-tech braking devices for trains, authorized funds for
railroad safety and research programs and doubled the
minimum penalty for safety violations.
Senator Exon was a leader in promoting ethanol fuels as
a new market for agricultural products and as a way to
strengthen our Nation's energy security. In the Senate, he
beat back an attack on new Federal gasoline formulas and
assured the expanded use of ethanol as a fuel additive.
He wrote the law that designated the Niobrara River in
Nebraska a National Scenic River.
Senator Exon fought to expand markets for U.S. food
products by opposing restrictions on agricultural exports
and by fighting for fair international trade agreements
for Nebraska agriculture.
Senator Exon, as a senior member of the Armed Services
Committee, co-authored historic legislation passed in 1992
requiring a nuclear testing moratorium and an end to all
nuclear testing by 1996.
He fought for changes in numerous Medicare rules which
treat rural areas unfairly, including making Medicare
reimburse rural and urban doctors in Nebraska at the same
rate. Exon also co-sponsored legislation that made
Medicare reimburse rural and urban hospitals at the same
rate in 1995.
Senator Exon authored a 1994 law that allowed direct
flights to resume between Omaha and Washington, DC.
As a senior member of the Budget Committee, Senator
Exon worked hard to ensure that funding for crop insurance
reform would be available and helped the stalled bill win
Senate passage in 1994.
Senator Exon authored the essential air service law
which ensured that rural areas continued to have
commercial air service.
In 1990, Exon won a 3-year battle to block construction
of the proposed Two Forks Dam in Colorado. Exon fought the
dam to protect Nebraska's water interests and the EPA
agreed with him, killing the proposed dam in 1990.
Passed in 1988, the Exon-Florio law gives the President
authority to investigate and stop a foreign takeover of an
American company if the takeover threatens national
security. Under this law, hundreds of foreign takeovers
have been reviewed for national security implications.
Senator Exon sponsored legislation to keep the Nation's
only nationwide passenger railroad system operating. This
legislation, which passed in 1992, allows AMTRAK to
establish new service routes across the United States. The
bill also promotes high-speed rail and encourages improved
safety and training for AMTRAK employees.
Senator Exon sponsored the law which authorized the
minting of the first regular issue U.S. gold coins in more
than 50 years. These ``American Eagle Gold Coins'' have
become popular gold investments, increasing investment in
the U.S. economy. Profits have reduced the national debt
by over $180 million.
Transportation legislation authored by Senator Exon has
strengthened truck safety inspection efforts. Exon also
supported making random drug and alcohol testing for
transportation workers the law.
Senator Exon was the Senate sponsor of a 1993 bill
which gave relief to small businesses, charities and
shippers from excessive shipping charges, saving billions
in liability costs.
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND
OTHER TRIBUTES
FOR
J. JAMES EXON
Proceedings in the Senate
Monday, June 13, 2005
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am terribly saddened by the
death of Jim Exon. Those of us who had the opportunity to
serve with him are very troubled by his death. He was an
outstanding Senator. He was fair. He worked on both sides
of the aisle. He protected the State of Nebraska and our
country so well.
I have so many fond memories of him. His enthusiasm for
the work he did here was contagious. His sense of humor
was wonderful. Jim Exon loved Nebraska football. He cared
about a lot of issues, but other than his family, Nebraska
football came first. He is going to be buried in Lincoln,
NE, on this Wednesday. He died, I believe, on Friday
night. Ben Nelson called me Saturday morning. Jim Exon was
certainly a mentor of Ben Nelson. We will all miss him
very much.
I hope those who have some knowledge of Senator Exon
will recognize we hope to take an airplane trip to
Nebraska Wednesday afternoon to attend his funeral. He was
a wonderful man. I miss him so much.
SENATE RESOLUTION 170
Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Nelson
of Nebraska, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Allard, Mr.
Allen, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Biden, Mr.
Bingaman, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Brownback, Mr.
Bunning, Mr. Burns, Mr. Burr, Mr. Byrd, Ms. Cantwell, Mr.
Carper, Mr. Chafee, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.
Coburn, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Conrad,
Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Craig, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Dayton,
Mr. DeMint, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Domenici,
Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Enzi, Mr.
Feingold, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Graham, Mr. Grassley, Mr.
Gregg, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Inhofe,
Mr. Inouye, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Kyl, Ms. Landrieu, Mr.
Lautenberg, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs.
Lincoln, Mr. Lott, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Martinez, Mr. McCain,
Mr. McConnell, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Murray,
Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Obama, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Reed, Mr.
Roberts, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Santorum, Mr.
Sarbanes, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelby, Mr.
Smith, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Specter, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Stevens,
Mr. Sununu, Mr. Talent, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thune, Mr. Vitter,
Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Warner, and Mr. Wyden) submitted the
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 170
Whereas J. James Exon served in the United States Army
Signal Corps from 1942-1945 and in the United States Army
Reserve from 1945-1949;
Whereas J. James Exon served as Governor of the State of
Nebraska from 1971-1979;
Whereas J. James Exon served the people of Nebraska with
distinction for 18 years in the United States Senate where
he was a proponent of a strong national defense and
knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters;
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow
and deep regret the announcement of the death of the
Honorable J. James Exon, formerly a Senator from the State
of Nebraska.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate
these resolutions to the House of Representatives and
transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand
adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of
the Honorable J. James Exon.
RELATIVE TO THE DEATH OF FORMER SENATOR J. JAMES EXON
Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res.
170, which was submitted early today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the
resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 170) relative to the death of J.
James Exon, former United States Senator for the State of
Nebraska.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to
consider the resolution.
Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, on Friday, Nebraska lost one
of the most dominant political figures in our State's
history. Former two-term Governor and three-term U.S.
Senator Jim Exon passed away in Lincoln at the age of 83.
Many in this Chamber today served with him and knew him
well. Those who served with Jim Exon remember a serious
and dedicated public servant who enjoyed life and loved
his State.
Jim's voice was strong, and he spoke clearly and
directly. No one ever had to guess where Jim Exon stood.
As a Governor and a Senator, he fought for balanced
budgets and restrained government spending.
In the Senate, from his seat on the Armed Services
Committee, he was a passionate advocate for a strong
national defense. As a member of the Commerce Committee,
he was a protector of our natural resources, and he had
the foresight to author the Communications Decency Act.
Mr. President, today, when politics is too often a race
to the lowest political common denominator, Jim Exon was a
very effective leader, a partisan leader who always played
it straight. He never lost an election. He won five
statewide elections in Nebraska, more than any other
Nebraskan. Under Jim Exon's leadership, the Democratic
Party became the dominant party in Nebraska for 25 years.
Anyone who knows Nebraska understands what a remarkable
accomplishment that was. He did it by listening to the
people. He did it by being a leader.
I was Jim Exon's replacement in the Senate in 1996. Over
the last 9 years, I came to know him well and respect his
judgment. We did not always agree, but I always
appreciated the opportunities I had to visit with Senator
Exon on a wide range of issues. A child of the plains and
a veteran of World War II, he is part of a generation of
Americans who understood leadership, sacrifice, and war.
In his later years, Jim Exon had much to say. And I had an
opportunity to listen.
The voice and wisdom of Jim Exon and his generation is
slipping away from us at a time of unparalleled change in
our world. Just as with Jim Exon, while this great
generation is still with us, we need to listen closely to
them. I did listen to Jim Exon.
As a small business man, two-term Governor and three-
term Senator, James Exon, along with his wife Pat, served
his State, his Nation, and this institution with
distinction. He will be missed by the Nebraskans he served
so well and loved so much.
Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to,
and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 170) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 170
Whereas J. James Exon served in the United States Army
Signal Corps from 1942-1945 and in the United States Army
Reserve from 1945-1949;
Whereas J. James Exon served as Governor of the State of
Nebraska from 1971-1979;
Whereas J. James Exon served the people of Nebraska with
distinction for 18 years in the United States Senate where
he was a proponent of a strong national defense and
knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters;
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow
and deep regret the announcement of the death of the
Honorable J. James Exon, formerly a Senator from the State
of Nebraska.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate
these resolutions to the House of Representatives and
transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand
adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of
the Honorable J. James Exon.
ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:45 a.m. TOMORROW
Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, if there is no further
business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous
consent that the Senate stand in adjournment under the
previous order, as a mark of further respect for former
Senator James Exon.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 8:19 p.m.,
adjourned until Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at 9:45 a.m.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I am here today
to pay tribute to a great American and a great Nebraskan.
J. James Exon served with distinction in the U.S. Senate
from 1979 to 1997 and as Governor of Nebraska from 1971 to
1979. Senator Exon passed away in his hometown of Lincoln,
NE, last Friday at the age of 83. His funeral services are
tomorrow in Lincoln.
Jim Exon understood Nebraskans like no one else, which
explains his popularity with the people of his State. He
loved them and they loved him back.
He was a Democrat in a highly Republican State, yet he
never lost an election in two campaigns for Governor and
three for U.S. Senate. He understood that Nebraska is a
populist State more than it is a partisan State. Most
Nebraskans judged him on what he said and what he did, not
on his political registration. Jim Exon was a common man.
Nebraskans will remember Jim Exon as one of the greatest
leaders Nebraska ever had. Anyone who travels around
Nebraska today can see the continuing legacy from his
quarter century of public service.
Jim Exon built on the Nebraska tradition of working
together. In that way he carried on the legacy of another
giant in Nebraska history, Senator George Norris. Norris
founded the unicameral legislature in an effort to improve
the workings of government and to achieve results. Jim
Exon had the same philosophy.
I had the honor of serving in then-Governor Jim Exon's
cabinet as Nebraska Director of Insurance. He has been a
friend and mentor ever since even as I have followed him
as Governor and U.S. Senator. I would frequently call him
to seek advice, and he would often call to offer it. Now
those calls will cease but I don't think I'll ever stop
learning from Jim Exon.
The people of Nebraska always appreciated Jim Exon in
life as they do now in death. We will miss him but we can
all take comfort in the fact that his fingerprints are on
more than a quarter century of our history, and Nebraska
and the United States of America are far better places
because of his generous service.
As a former poker partner of Jim Exon, I can say that
the man was driven to win. He was surprised by those who
didn't try to beat him. That attitude carried over into
his public life and is ``part and parcel'' of the reason
so many Nebraskans are fond of him. He made you feel like
he was on your side. He made you feel your issues were
important. And most of all, he made you feel proud to be a
Nebraskan.
Those in public life must face the last great scrutiny
when they leave this world for the next. Their careers are
examined again. Their friends and foes get one last
unanswered say. In the case of Big Jim Exon, who liked to
have the last word, I know this must be driving him crazy.
In the case of Jim Exon the last word goes to Nebraska,
the State and the people he loved so dearly. The State of
Nebraska will miss Jim Exon, his wisdom, his humor and his
common sense. He is one Nebraskan who from start to
finish, and through every day, truly did lead ``the good
life.''
I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record
two editorials from Nebraska newspapers that captured the
essence of Jim Exon so eloquently, one from my hometown
paper, the McCook Gazette and another from the Omaha World
Herald.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
[From the McCook Gazette, Jun. 13, 2005]
``Common Man'' Exon in Touch With State
The former editor and publisher of the McCook Daily
Gazette, Allen Strunk, played a key role in the political
career of J.J. Exon, the former Nebraska governor and
senator who passed away Friday at age 83.
Strunk, a conservative Republican, broke with tradition
in 1970 when he became the only daily newspaper publisher
in the state to endorse Exon in the race for governor
against Norbert Tiemann.
Contacted at his Las Vegas home this morning, Strunk
said he was moved to support Exon because he was a
``common Joe'' who was in touch with the people. ``Exon
had been a businessman in Lincoln and the 1970 campaign
was his first run for office,'' Strunk said. ``He
impressed me as being much more in tune with the wishes of
the people than did Tiemann, who came across as pompous.''
The endorsement of Strunk was helpful in the hard-fought
race. Another factor was the negative feedback which
Tiemann received following passage of state sales and
income tax legislation.
Exon's victory in 1970 launched a political career that
continued through two terms as governor and three terms as
a United States Senator. Whenever he was in Southwest
Nebraska, Exon made it a point to stop by the Gazette
office for visits with Strunk.
Exon also was an important figure in the lives of two
other former McCook residents: the late Frank Morrison, a
former governor of Nebraska; and Ben Nelson, a former
governor and current U.S. Senator from Nebraska.
Nelson struck the same theme as Strunk, saying, ``Jim
Exon was a common man who dearly loved the state of
Nebraska and that's why the people loved him. He was one
of them and they knew it and were proud of it. His
fingerprints are all over the history of Nebraska and
he'll go down as one of the greatest leaders this state
has ever known.''
During his lifetime, Morrison spoke highly of Exon, as
did Exon of Morrison. Exon was among the many mourners
when Morrison passed away in 2003 at age 98.
Other than George W. Norris of McCook, Exon was the only
Nebraskan to win five consecutive elections. The state
will miss him, as will the McCook area, which had a
significant role in Exon's long political career.
----------
[From the Omaha World Herald, Jun. 12, 2005]
J. James Exon
Perhaps someone else would have made Nebraska a two-
party state in the second half of the last century if John
James Exon hadn't appeared on the scene.
But it's hard to imagine anyone else doing the job
nearly as effectively, and with as much pure joy, as did
the former governor and U.S. senator, who died Friday at
age 83.
Starting in the 1950s J. James Exon breathed life into
the moribund Democratic Party with the force of his
personality, the clarity of his vision and the
relentlessness of his energy.
He was a force in the candidacy of Govs. Ralph Brooks
(1959-60) and Frank Morrison (1961-67). He was guide and
mentor to Govs. Bob Kerrey (1983-87) and Ben Nelson (1991-
99). In his own right, Exon was the first Nebraska
governor to serve two four-year terms (1971-79) and
followed that with an 18-year career in the U.S. Senate.
Exon has earned lasting honor in the councils of his
party. He helped show Democrats how they could succeed in
Nebraska: be true to the better nature of their party
while respecting the political traditions and impulses of
all Nebraskans. Above all, be a straight shooter. Don't
pussyfoot.
But he belongs to all Nebraskans. Exon's presence on the
political scene demonstrated the wisdom of evaluating a
candidate's knowledge, character and ideas ahead of narrow
partisanship. Competition between the parties makes for a
better examination of ideas and philosophies, but only if
the voters are willing to listen before deciding.
Exon simply would not be put down because the
Republicans had a big lead in voter registrations. He said
what was on his mind, and the electorate could not help
but pay attention.
And thus when the time came to ask Nebraskans for their
votes, Republicans stepped forward by the thousands to
cast a vote for Jim.
As governor, Exon embraced the mantra of holding the
line on spending. He was known for his strongly worded
veto messages. He fought his political battles with a
gusto that approached celebration.
However, though he was a conservative on spending, he
was no skinflint. His dislike of careless spending was
balanced by an abiding sense of stewardship over the
institutions of state government. He was a man of
moderation.
In the Senate, Exon positioned himself as a proponent of
a strong national defense and as a knowledgeable source on
geopolitical matters. A veteran of World War II, he could
thus claim a legitimate share in the victory in the Cold
War.
He followed his stars, loved the outdoors, maintained
the loyalty of strong men and never wavered in his
commitment to fairness and his concern for ordinary
people.
Carved in the south facade of the Nebraska State
Capitol, facing the Governor's Mansion where the Exons
resided for eight years, are the words of Aristotle:
``Political society exists for the sake of noble living.''
Surely Big Jim Exon used that thought, or something very
similar, as part of the code by which he lived his life.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico.
Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I heard the remarks of the
distinguished Senator from Nebraska. I don't have time
tonight to make my comments about the distinguished
Senator, Governor Exon, but tomorrow I will.
Suffice it to say, it was my privilege to serve with
him. He was everything the Senator from Nebraska said and
more.
Tomorrow I will elaborate on his years of service on
various committees. He truly was a wonderful man, a hard
worker, a man of great common sense, and he contributed
immensely to the years I knew him in the Senate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico.
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, let me take a minute, also,
and underscore the comments our colleague from Nebraska
and Senator Domenici have made about Jim Exon. He was a
great U.S. Senator and one with whom I was fortunate to
serve on the Armed Services Committee for many years. He
contributed a tremendous amount to his home State and to
this country. He will be missed by all who served with him
in the Senate.
There is a service for him tomorrow in Nebraska, which I
hope to attend. I will also have extensive comments to
offer at a future time. It is a great loss to the country
and a great loss, of course, to all those who knew him. He
will be fondly remembered in this Senate.
I yield the floor.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, with the passing of former
Senator Jim Exon on Friday, a giant oak in the forest of
public service has fallen. Political historians will
remember him as a dominant force in Nebraska politics
across nearly three decades, serving two terms as Governor
and three as Senator. Those of us who were privileged to
be his friend remember him, first and foremost, as a man
of enormous decency, integrity, and common sense. We
remember his quick mind; his slow, gravelly voice; his
Midwestern directness and unpretentiousness.
Here on the Senate floor, I am privileged to sit at the
same desk that Senator Exon used during the last of his 18
years in the Senate. I inherited it upon his retirement in
1996, and I have always considered it a special honor to
carry on where he left off.
Of course, for people in Iowa, Jim Exon was a next-door
neighbor. Over the years, Iowans got to know him well as a
stalwart friend of family farmers; as a tireless promoter
of rural economic development; and, at a time when the
bioeconomy was in its infancy, as a true believer in the
future of ethanol and other home-grown, renewable sources
of energy.
Jim Exon was not just present at the creation of the
ethanol industry, he was an important midwife of that
industry. He took office as Governor and in 1971 he
created the Nebraska Ethanol Board. In the ensuing years
of ethanol's infancy, it was Nebraska and Iowa that led
the way in establishing this industry. At every step, Jim
Exon was there as an advocate and champion.
I will always remember my partnership with Senator Exon
and Senator John Melcher of Montana on the 1985 farm bill.
We fought long and hard to fend off attacks on safety-net
programs for family farmers. Night after night, we kept
the Senate in session into the early hours of the morning.
And, thanks to Jim's leadership and sheer relentlessness,
we carried the day.
Throughout his political career, Jim Exon prided himself
on reaching across party lines and forging bipartisan
consensus. This is very much a Nebraska tradition, going
back to the legendary George Norris, who founded the
State's unicameral legislature. Jim succeeded as a
Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican State because he
knew how to reach out, how to unite people around shared
interests. Senator Ben Nelson, a long-time friend and
protege of Jim Exon, prides himself on continuing this
tradition of bipartisanship and bridge building.
They didn't call him Big Jim for nothing. He was big
physically, tall and imposing. He was big politically--the
only Nebraskan since George Norris to win five consecutive
statewide elections. And Jim was big hearted, a tough,
relentless man, but also a compassionate person who cared
deeply about other people and their well-being.
As a public official, he was an old-fashioned fiscal
conservative. He railed against what he called ``wild-eyed
spenders.'' As Governor, he repeatedly vetoed the
legislature's spending bills, 141 vetoes in all. And, here
in the Senate, he took on Republicans and Democrats alike
who, in his eyes, were being reckless with the taxpayer's
dollar.
Senator Jim Exon has been lying in state in the Rotunda
of the Nebraska Capitol. Funeral services will be held
this afternoon at the same location. So, today, the Senate
says farewell to a truly distinguished former Member. Jim
was a good friend to me, and he was much beloved in this
body. Today our thoughts are with him, his family, and the
people of Nebraska. May Jim rest in peace.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Mr. REID. Mr. President, the time I have is leader time,
and I wanted to say a few things. I was not here yesterday
afternoon because of the funeral of Senator Exon. I say to
my colleagues, those of us who went to that funeral were
so impressed with what this man did for the State of
Nebraska. For the first time in the history of Nebraska, a
funeral was held in the State capitol. Why? Because Jim
Exon made a difference in the State of Nebraska. I am sure
all 100 Senators, as I have, ask are we making a
difference in what happens in our States, in our country.
The lesson we can look to is Jim Exon, a man with not a
great education by modern-day standards but a person who
by modern-day standards, or any standard, had a great
heart and a great mind and was able to do wonderful work
for the State and for the country.
His family expressed so many warm feelings about their
father and grandfather. Bob Kerrey gave one of the most
moving eulogies that has ever been given. I am sorry I was
not here yesterday, but for those of us who went to that
funeral--Senator Ben Nelson, Senator Hagel, Senator
Bingaman, Senator Levin, Senator Akaka--it was so worth
our time.
ORDER TO PRINT AS A SENATE DOCUMENT
Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that
tribute statements regarding former Senator Exon be
printed as a Senate document, provided that Senators have
until the close of business on June 30 to submit such
statements.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it's an honor to pay tribute
to a great man, a distinguished Senator, and a dear friend
who passed away on June 10, Senator Jim Exon of Nebraska.
Last week I joined several of my colleagues in attending
his funeral in Lincoln, NE. It was inspiring to be with
the people who knew him best and loved him most. Jim was a
giant in Nebraska politics not because of the power he
wielded but because of the respect and affection he had
earned.
Jim Exon was a decent man, without pretension or
prejudice. He spoke plainly. He called it like he saw it.
He did what he thought was right, regardless of the
pressure that might have been put on him. Jim laughed the
same wonderful, booming laugh with Presidents as he did
with the people back home. He was a large man, and he had
a heart to match.
That is why he was beloved in Nebraska and never lost an
election, serving two terms as Governor and then three
terms as Senator. That is why he was popular even as the
father of the Democratic Party in an overwhelmingly
Republican State. And that is why his friendship and
kindness meant the world to me.
Jim and I were both members of the class of 1978, and
we--and our wives--quickly became close friends. We served
together on the Armed Services Committee; in fact, we sat
next to each other for 18 years. We had honest,
substantive debates about our defense policy, and I will
always cherish the memories of that time. His only
interest was the security and prosperity of our country
and his beloved Nebraska.
Jim worked for a strong national defense. He supported
responsible budget policies. And he was ahead of his time
in warning against terrorism and arguing for a Department
of Homeland Security. For so many of us, he was a source
of wise counsel and trusted advice. With Jim, you could
always be certain he was telling you what he thought was
right, and he usually was right.
We will miss him terribly, but we are fortunate to have
had him for so long. My thoughts and prayers, and those of
my wife Barbara, are with his loving wife Pat and his
entire family.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the eulogy given by former Senator Bob Kerrey at the
funeral of our late colleague, Jim Exon, be printed in the
Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record.
[For the text of the eulogy, see page 28.]
Mr. REID. Governor, Senator, Big Jim, J.J. Exon died on
Friday at 8:30 p.m. on June 10, 2005, after the Cardinals
had secured a 7 to 1 victory over the New York Yankees.
For him, a perfect ending to his life on this Earth.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to
pay tribute to former Senator Jim Exon, a friend and
colleague, who passed away on June 10, 2005.
Jim Exon is a legend in his own State. For almost three
decades, he served the people of Nebraska as both Governor
and Senator. And through dedication and the force of his
personality, he almost singlehandedly founded the
Democratic Party in his State. In his entire career, he
never lost an election because his constituents recognized
his basic decency and common sense.
However, Jim Exon didn't only serve his Nebraska
constituents. He also served his country and our
Government in ways that we could sorely use today. He was,
of course, a patriot and World War II veteran who brought
his wartime experience to his important role on defense
matters. But beyond his obvious love of country, Jim Exon
especially loved his country's democracy, which he saw as
the crucial spark animating the American community.
Jim Exon relished forthright debate and always had
tremendous faith in the fairness of our system of
government. But while he advanced his beliefs with
conviction and passion, he also listened to those with
whom he disagreed. Indeed, he was renowned as a fair and
considerate lawmaker who routinely sought common ground
with adversaries out of genuine sympathy for their
concerns.
Jim Exon's facility for finding common ground with
others stemmed from his roots in America's heartland. In
rural areas and small towns, neighbors must depend on one
another. People in the country rely on pragmatism to solve
problems, having little patience with argument for its own
sake. Jim Exon brought these Midwestern values to his
work, fighting openly for his beliefs, while still playing
a cooperative and constructive role in resolving
differences.
Given his ability to see the point of view of others,
it's hardly surprising that Jim Exon made abundant
legislative contributions. I was privileged to serve on
the Senate Budget Committee with him, where he fought to
keep our Nation's fiscal house in order. Here, too, his
approach was balanced, offering a fierce opposition to
wasting taxpayer money on unjustified spending, while
maintaining an abiding faith in effective government. Most
importantly in this area, he recognized that lawmakers
must resist the temptation to use public debt to shift
current burdens onto future taxpayers. To Jim Exon,
skyrocketing Federal debt was a shameful legacy to leave
our children.
Senator Exon also understood the wisdom of investing in
the family farmer, the backbone of rural communities. A
tireless advocate of rural economic development, he was
one of the first to recognize the importance of ethanol as
fuel, a renewable energy source that we produce here at
home. And he fought for better transportation, better
medical care, and better schools for rural areas facing
special challenges.
Jim Exon also worked to keep America's military strong.
A veteran of the South Pacific in World War II, he never
wavered in his commitment to our Armed Forces. He played a
crucial role on the Armed Services Committee in the
aftermath of communism's collapse. Thanks in large measure
to his efforts, our military remained the mightiest in the
world, even though its mission was reoriented to face the
challenges of the post-cold war world. He worked
tirelessly to contain nuclear proliferation.
Jim Exon accomplished much during his three terms here
in the Senate. That's not surprising given the kind of man
he was. He lacked pretense. He would tell you straight out
what he believed, and he listened carefully to others. And
he was fair. He brought Senators together by focusing on
shared interests, rather than differences.
Jim Exon was a big hearty man who loved to laugh. His
deep, rolling baritone had an infectious good humor and
compassion behind it that won over others. He was
effective, in part, because people liked to work with him.
I will miss my good friend and colleague. His
accomplishments live after him. The Nation and the people
of Nebraska will long remember the standards of integrity
and decency that were the hallmarks of Jim Exon's service
to his country.
Proceedings in the House of Representatives
Thursday, June 16, 2005
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, one of its
clerks, announced that the Senate has agreed to the
following resolution:
In the Senate of the United States, June 13, 2005.
Whereas J. James Exon served in the United States Army
Signal Corps from 1942-1945 and in the United States Army
Reserve from 1945-1949;
Whereas J. James Exon served as Governor of the State of
Nebraska from 1971-1979;
Whereas J. James Exon served the people of Nebraska with
distinction for 18 years in the United States Senate where
he was a proponent of a strong national defense and
knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters;
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow
and deep regret the announcement of the death of the
Honorable J. James Exon, formerly a Senator from the State
of Nebraska.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate
these resolutions to the House of Representatives and
transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand
adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of
the Honorable J. James Exon.
In Memory of
Senator James Exon
1921-2005
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
4:00 p.m.
Capitol Rotunda
Lincoln, Nebraska
Jim Exon's favorite prayer:
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the
Serenity
to accept the things I cannot change . . .
Courage
to change the things I can
and Wisdom
to know the difference.
The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven
and Earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born
of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and
was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand
of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Order of Service
Processional
Battle Hymn of the Republic Plymouth Brass
Opening Prayer Father Sam Boman
Eulogies Bro. Leo Willett, S.M.
Chuck Pallesen
Senator Bob Kerrey
Exon Family
Scriptures
Isaiah 25:69 Mark Bowen
Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39 Bro. Leo Willett, S.M.
Musical Selection
``On Eagles Wings'' Michael Joncas
Sung by Brent Smith
Accompanied by Marcia Wiebers
Scriptures John 14:1-6 Father Boman
Sermon Father Boman
Creed Father Boman
Lord's Prayer Albert Hay Malotte
Sung by Brent Smith
Accompanied by Marcia Wiebers
Closing Prayers
Recessional
----------
Honorary Pallbearers
Norm Otto W. Don Nelson
Dorothy Obbink Greg Pallas
Evan Wolf
Casket Bearers
Senator Bob Kerrey Bill Hoppner
Charles Pallesen Senator Ben Nelson
Mark Bowen Jim Otto
Honorable Norm Krivosha Congressman John Cavanaugh
Wadlow Rozanek Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska
Obituary information for John James Exon
Senator J. James Exon (Jim), 83, of Lincoln died Friday
(6-10-05). Born in Geddes, SD, on August 9, 1921, to John
and Luella Exon. Jim was raised in Lake Andes, SD. He
moved to Nebraska to attend UNO from 1939 to 1942.
Volunteered for U.S. Army Signal Corps and served 2 years
in the South Pacific during WWII. Prior to leaving for the
war, he married Patricia (Pros) Exon on September 18,
1943.
Following his return from the war, he came to Nebraska and
started his business career with Universal Finance
Corporation. In 1954 he founded Exon's Inc., which was an
office equipment company located at 23d & O. Member of
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and active in a wide range
of professional and civic activities.
Exon was introduced to politics at an early age by his
parents who were active leaders in the SD Democratic
Party. Jim became a prominent leader of the Nebraska
Democratic Party serving as State Vice Chairman and
National Committeeman. In his first bid for public office,
Jim Exon was elected Governor of Nebraska in 1970 and was
re-elected in 1974 to a second term as Governor. In 1978,
Governor Exon marked a milestone by being the only
Governor Nebraskans have elected directly to the U.S.
Senate. He was re-elected to a second term in 1984 and a
third term in 1990.
Most important to Jim Exon was his commitment to his wife
of 61 years, Pat, his children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. He is survived by: wife, Patricia (Pros)
Exon, son and spouse, Stephen Sr. and Kathleen Exon of
Bellevue, daughters and spouses: Pamela and Alan Bricker,
Greeley, CO and Candace and Dan Wolf, Lincoln.
Grandchildren: Stephen Exon, Jr. and wife Kathy, Amy
McGrath and husband Michael, Colin Bricker and wife
Diedre, Heather Eurek and husband John, Lindsay Smith and
husband Brent, Evan Wolf, Jessica Exon, and Anna Wolf;
seven great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John James, Sr.,
and Luella (Johns) Exon, and a sister, Virginia (Exon)
Johns.
Private Burial
Memorials to Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer
Society, St. Elizabeth Hospice
Procession Prayer
Father SAM BOMAN. Please rise.
I am Resurrection and I am Light, says the Lord. Whoever
has faith in me shall have light even though he dies, and
everyone who has light and has committed himself to me in
faith shall not die forever. As for me I know that my
redeemer lives and at last he shall stand upon the Earth.
After my awaking he will raise me up and in my body I
shall see God. I myself shall see and my eyes behold him
who is my friend and not a stranger.
Procession Song: Battle Hymn of the Republic, performed by
Plymouth Brass
Opening Prayer
Father SAM BOMAN. The Lord be with you.
Let us pray.
God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day
our brother James. We thank you for giving him to us, his
family and friends to know and to love as a companion on
our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion
console us and mourn. Give us faith to see in death the
gate of eternal life so that in quiet confidence we may
continue our force on Earth until by your call we are
reunited with those who have gone before. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Amen.
You may be seated.
Eulogies
Brother LEO WILLETT. Dear Pat, who is with us in spirit,
and I believe Jim can do more for Pat now; Pamela, Steve,
Candace and their spouses; the grandchildren, great-
grandchildren; other relatives, friends; Honorable U.S.
Senators and Representatives; Nebraska Honorable Governor
and officials. It is an honor for me to be here with you
on the invitation of Jim's children.
I first came to Omaha in 1967 for the building of Daniel
J. Gross High School, a new Catholic high school in Sarpy
County. As a member of the South Omaha community, I
definitely knew of Jim Exon, who was first elected
Governor of Nebraska in 1970.
I first met Jim in 1974, 31 years ago, when I invited
him to speak at our First Annual All-Activities Banquet.
It was at that time, that he was the first to designate me
as ``the Father of Daniel Gross High School.'' Monday I
read that Jim is called ``the Father of Nebraska's modern-
day Democratic Party.'' Again, thanks Jim.
Also that evening I discovered that Jim and I shared a
passion and a joy for the baseball St. Louis Cardinals,
since our youth, he from South Dakota, and I from East St.
Louis, Illinois. That night in 1974 we shared our
remembrances of ``the Gas House Gang,'' the name given to
the World Champion Cardinals in 1934: Dizzy and Daffy
Dean, Joe Medwick, Frankie Frisch, Pepper Martin, and on
and on. That night in 1974 was the beginning of a special
relationship that has lasted until today and will be
beyond. For an example of something I have done often for
Jim, this week I was saving Jim copies from sports in the
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, from the noteworthy series with
the Red Sox and the Yankees. (By the way, is the person
present with whom Jim had a standing $1 bet as regards the
Cardinals vs. Cubs?)
When the Cardinals were in the World Series in 1982--
1985--1987, Jim would arrange for us to attend the games
in St. Louis. (By the way, the Cardinals did not show up
for last year's World Series, and neither did Jim nor I.)
I remember especially in 1982, the night it rained so
hard, the game had to be stopped several times. Each time
the game was stopped, more of the dignitaries left the
commissioner's box. At some point, Steve, Jim's son, and I
were invited by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to sit next to him
and Jim. Many cousins and friends throughout the country
saw me upfront on television that night. Wow! Also, after
the Cardinals beat the Brewers in the spectacular come-
from-behind seventh game, Tim, Steve and I were invited to
the reception for the World Champion Cardinals. Great. It
was at that reception that I had the opportunity to visit
with ``Happy'' Chandler, a former baseball commissioner,
Governor and U.S. Senator from Kentucky, my native State.
Further, I was with Jim, Dan, a son-in-law, and
grandson, Evan, the night Mark McGwire tied the home run
record, and the next night when Mark McGwire broke the
record. What an unforgettable thrill! I can see Jim and
those home runs again now.
In 1979 I was told I needed a hobby, something I would
enjoy doing when I didn't want to do anything I usually
did. I recalled being told that my ancestors went back to
colonial Maryland and Virginia--and I had taught American
history several years. Thus it was that I started family
research in 1979. I told Jim I would like to spend a
summer in Washington, DC. Jim suggested I be an intern in
his office. I was to give special attention to inquiries
``about education and religion!'' Thus in the 1980 summer,
I worked in his office week days, did research in Library
of Congress stacks week evenings, did research at the
National Archives on Saturdays, and visited museums on
Sundays. For sure, my 1980 summer was wonderful and
unforgettable in many ways, thanks to Jim.
In recent years I have tried to make at least one visit
a year to Daniel Gross High School in Omaha, and include a
talk to each of the freshman religion classes, especially
about the early history of the school. Jim asked me to let
him know when I was coming to Omaha. When possible he
would drive from Lincoln, and we would meet at the
Bohemian Cafe for a 2 to 3 hour lunch. Usually our visit
would start with Cardinals baseball, then Pat and family,
followed by varied topics from the past and present. I
looked forward to those sharings with a special friend.
(The Bohemian Cafe was in the area of Omaha where Pat had
lived, his dear spouse of 61 years, whom he had met and
married while he was attending the University of Nebraska,
Omaha.)
In closing, Jim was a wonderful person and friend, as
known by we who are here today and many who could not be
with us. Definitely, Jim will be missed by many,
especially by Pat and their family, his church family, his
political family and the Cardinal Nation. Thank God for
his and my belief, and for most of you, in eternal life.
We will be together again. Grateful always, Jim. Prayers.
CHUCK PALLESEN (family friend).
Statesman, yet friend to truth! Of soul sincere, in
action faithful, and in honor clear: Who broke no promise,
served no private end, who gained no title, and who lost
no friend.
--Alexander Pope, 1720
The proper thing to do would probably be to first
recognize the top dignitaries assembled here. You might be
surprised, however, how Senator Exon would address them:
``Native Americans and other minorities, the
disadvantaged, farmers, ranchers, men and women of labor,
small business owners, those in the armed services, and oh
yes, corporate leadership, and finally, those who you have
honored by voting them to office.''
That's the way the man thought, from his humble
beginnings in Lake Andes, SD, through service in World War
II and the times he counseled with Presidents, and Prime
Ministers, and admirals, and generals the world over.
People ask, how could ardent Democrat Jim Exon continually
be elected in Republican Nebraska and maintain 80 percent
approval ratings? The answer is quite simple: he reflected
the basic values of Nebraskans. He was a fiscal
conservative long before it became nearly mandatory
nationwide. He stood for a well-equipped, strong military
and was known in Washington as ``Mr. SAC.'' Yet he
challenged the Pentagon to eliminate waste and cap
development of unneeded arsenals of catastrophic weaponry.
He carried the burdens of agriculture to the extent that
one of our major newspapers referred to him as the
Nation's self-appointed Secretary of Agriculture. He was
an environmentalist even though some of those battles,
such as the Niobrara Scenic River designation, cost him
particularly in several of our northern border counties.
Senator Exon was a dedicated family man, and in fact
passed up what could have been a fourth U.S. Senate term
to spend more time with his spouse Pat, with Steve, Candy,
Pam, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially
enjoying times at the family cabin on the Platte River.
Senator Exon was a decent man, a man of integrity. He
genuinely liked people. Even though the allegiance to his
political party was strong, both at home and in
Washington, he worked with all people of all leanings. In
Washington he was, as Senator Ben Nelson has described and
emulated, a centrist, one who could easily cross the aisle
to reach a compromise. In fact, he openly said in 1996
that growing party strife in Washington contributed to his
decision to retire.
He would be highly honored that the gathering here today
includes both red and blue. The U.S. Senate delegation led
by Senator Reid, with Senators Hagel, Nelson, Bingaman,
Levin, Akaka, and Kerrey. Governor Heineman, Governor
Thone, Attorney General Bruning, Congressmen Hoagland,
McGinley and Cavanaugh, and Lieutenants Governor Robak and
Moul, Montana Auditor of Public Accounts John Morrison,
Chief Justice Krivosha, State Senators and other
officeholders, Mayor Seng, Omaha Mayor Fahey, former
Mayors Boosalis, Wesely, Harris, and Boyle, and many more.
Senator Exon was noted for his political instincts. Our
first meeting was when he was managing Frank Morrison's
gubernatorial campaign in 1960. Classmate Dick Shugrue was
working for the campaign and set up lunch with Morrison
and Exon. Toward the end of lunch, Morrison said he
thought he needed a handout flyer. Exon grabbed a napkin,
scribbled a few lines, roughed in a couple of pictures,
did the standard trifold, handed it to Dick and said,
``Take it to the printer.'' He was just as decisive in his
own campaigns. Our issues committee had been meeting
regularly in 1970, had drafted a platform for Exon to run
on and invited him to the meeting to hear it. About
halfway through the review, he stopped it and said, ``This
is all very nice, but aren't the issues really just taxes
and spending, spending and taxes?'' The issues committee
never met again.
In his first gubernatorial campaign, we arranged to take
him to the lawyers' State bar convention to introduce him
to lawyers from across Nebraska. As we were walking down
the hall toward the convention room, he stopped abruptly
and said, ``We're wasting our time here; I can do better
campaigning in a Hinky Dinky parking lot.'' And that's
where he went.
Senators Exon and Kerrey flew to Valentine for a hearing
on the Niobrara Scenic River designation issue. I thought
``This will be special--talking for 2 hours with two U.S.
Senators.'' But as soon as we took off they both pulled
out legal pads and started writing. It soon became
apparent that they were preparing for the hearing, and
that being a Senator was more than just campaigning,
talking, and voting. It's hard work. The best line was
about 10 minutes out of Valentine. Senator Exon turned to
Senator Kerrey and said, ``Bob, I've been on the firing
line in Valentine on this issue. So why don't you chair
the meeting?'' Without a blink, Senator Kerrey looked at
him and said, ``If you say so, boss.'' That was the kind
of relationship they had, not always agreeing on a certain
vote, but always working together. And they shared many a
laugh, even when Senator Exon would refer to ``that movie
actress friend of yours, what's her name, Debra
Reynolds.'' And then that laugh!
Some of you may remember early in President Clinton's
first term, Senator Kerrey's vote was crucial and on the
line on the tax bill. The White House invited a group of
Nebraskans to come to Washington to meet with the
President so he could convince them of the merits of his
tax bill. Then they could lobby Senator Kerrey to vote for
the bill. After the meeting I was to go to Capitol Hill to
meet with Senator Exon to urge him to lobby Kerrey. I
called Senator Exon to explain and make the arrangements.
His response? ``What are those White House people
thinking? You're not going to convince me to do anything
of the kind. I talk with Kerrey every day. He knows my
thinking and I know his. Don't waste your time or mine.''
In his last Senate campaign we had organized one of
those high roller $1,000 per person fundraisers in Omaha.
Lots of Republican CEOs. Shh! That's the way we raise our
money! The function was going well, then came a knock on
the door. A certain TV station crew wanted to come in and
film some footage for the evening news. I said, ``No, this
is a private party.'' Then I reported to the Senator. He
looked at me with that famous scowl and said, ``The idea
here is to raise money to buy TV time, and you have free
TV at the door. Let them in.'' Some of the guests were a
little camera shy, but we made the evening news.
Traveling with the Senator could have its perks, as on
one of the trips from Offutt to Kings Bay, GA, organized
by Allen Beermann to visit the USS Nebraska submarine. At
every stop a private military car and driver would pick up
the Senator. As we checked in at the Kings Bay base
housing, the driver said he'd pick the Senator up at 0600
hours for breakfast. The Senator asked, ``What time does
the main program of the day start?'' Answer: ``0900.''
``Why,'' the Senator asked, ``would I then go to eat at 6?
Pick me up at 8:30.'' And when his 8:30 car and driver
came, the Senator said, ``I've had too many military meals
already in my life. Is there a McDonald's around here?''
And guess what, we got to McDonald's and the submarine
program on time!
No review of Senator Exon is complete without
remembering that pipe that he smoked until a few years
ago. The ritual of cleaning and lighting, banging it on
tables, car roofs etc., brushing the burning ashes off his
shirt and tie. ``Well, at least I don't bang it on the
inside of the car,'' he once said.
Senator John Calhoun, in 1835, stated, ``The very
essence of a free government consists in considering
offices as public trusts, bestowed for the good of the
country, and not for the benefit of an individual or a
party.''
Jim Exon, Nebraska thanks you for the service you gave,
the people you touched, and the life you led. We will
adjourn today, sine die.
BOB KERREY (former Governor and U.S. Senator). To Governor
Dave Heineman--I thank you for the wisdom and the
generosity to allow these services to be conducted in the
rotunda of this capitol that Jim Exon loved so much. It is
a precedent worthy of the risk.
To the family of Senator Jim Exon--I pray your pain will
pass and become a loving memory. I hope you will always
feel pride to have known this great man so well.
To his friends, both in attendance and not--let us count
our blessings that we were so fortunate that he cared for
us.
To his colleagues who have left their work in the Senate
to travel to Nebraska to pay tribute to one of their own:
Senators Hagel and Nelson, Leader Reid, Senators Bingaman,
Levin and Akaka--thank you for honoring Jim in this way.
To the lawyers present--I apologize for I must begin my
eulogy to Jim Exon with a lawyer joke. It is, I assure
you, the least offensive one he ever told me. A doctor, a
teacher, and a lawyer are killed in an automobile accident
and find themselves at the gates of Heaven at precisely
the same time. Saint Peter is in an unusually good mood
and asks them each a very easy question: how much is two
plus two? In turn the doctor and the teacher give the
correct answer and are granted entry through the Pearly
Gates. The lawyer hesitates, pulls Saint Peter aside and
whispers: ``What do you want it to be?''
This was a question Jim Exon never asked. He always
added up the numbers and gave them to you straight whether
or not you liked the answer.
He was born on August 9, 1921. It was a bad day for his
St. Louis Cardinals; they lost to the Brooklyn Dodgers 8
to 7.
Each of us is influenced--though by no means limited--by
the circumstances of our births. Jim Exon was born the
same year that Adolph Hitler became chairman of the Nazi
Party. In that year the United States officially ended
World War I and signed a peace treaty with Germany.
Radicals Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty of murder by
a Massachusetts judge. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was
dedicated by President Harding at Arlington Cemetery on
November 11, Armistice Day. In South Dakota, where Jim was
born, scientists held a conference that summer to discuss
the unrealized potential of electricity.
He was 8 years old when the stock market crashed and the
Depression officially began. He was witness to the dust
storms and the terrible consequence of the loss of that
topsoil. He came of age when the possibility of an
economic revolution was real, when the New Deal became a
salvation and a political way of life for many who
believed that FDR had saved their lives.
He was a teenager when the lights came on in two-thirds
of Nebraska thanks to rural electrification. He remembered
the enactment of Social Security legislation and the hope
which the WPA and the CCC gave to grown men and women who
had given up.
He was 20 years old when Japan invaded Pearl Harbor. In
a single day the naive innocence which had propelled our
20-year disarmament came to a sudden and terrible end. The
United States had steadfastly stayed out of the war trying
at all costs to avoid this conflict. Thus it was that he
came of age at a time when losing our freedoms was not
political rhetoric but a real possibility. He knew the
terrible price of weakness and isolation.
Both of these big events--the Depression and the Second
World War--defined Jim Exon. They explained a lot about
who he was, why he took the political and economic
positions that he did, and why he always seemed so
grateful to be alive and an American. It explains why he
didn't complain, why he seemed to take whatever came his
way in stride, and why he talked little about the
hardships he had so obviously endured. Most of all it
explains his values: a lifetime commitment to Pat, his
children and his community, and his unrelenting desire to
make life a little better for everyone.
The events of Jim Exon's youth explain a lot about Jim
Exon, the man. But one thing remains a mystery to me:
Where did that laugh come from? I have never heard
anything quite like it. It was more like a duck call than
a laugh. But, like so many other things about Jim Exon
(his pipe, his short sleeve shirts, his big ears) his
laugh added to his authenticity. He was a man who never
caused you to wonder: what's he thinking? What you saw was
what you got with Jim Exon. Except that some people saw
this large, big-wristed son of the high plains and
concluded that he was a rube who could be easily fooled.
The thing is Jim Exon could tell when someone was
underestimating him and he'd turn it into his advantage--
either for fun or the benefit of Nebraskans.
He came to New York City once to visit a number of
people, including the New Deal economist Eliot Janeway.
Arriving in Mr. Janeway's plush offices Governor Exon saw
from the look on the receptionist's face that she was a
little taken aback by his look. So, after asking
directions to and using the bathroom, he returned to
comment to a startled receptionist how wonderful it was to
find a place with indoor plumbing.
``That's something we don't have back in Nebraska. And
what are those white porcelain bowls hanging on the
walls?''
After she explained their function and he exclaimed that
he was going to have one installed in the Governor's
mansion when he returned to Lincoln, she realized she was
being put on.
Basin Electric in Wyoming was not so lucky. As Governor,
Jim had persuaded his friend Attorney General Paul Douglas
to bring a lawsuit against the State of Wyoming over a
water dispute involving Wyoming's decision to grant a
permit to Basin Electric for a new power plant.
Negotiating in private, Governor Exon emerged with an
agreement which created the Sandhill Crane Trust on the
Platte River near Grand Island. The net for Nebraska has
been hundreds of millions of tourism dollars and
sufficient stream flow to guarantee the preservation of an
ancient wild bird flyway.
This conservation ethic produced a locally famous
encounter at Valentine High School shortly after I arrived
in the Senate. Senator Exon had introduced legislation to
designate a portion of the Niobrara River as ``scenic,''
which would limit development--something that Cherry
County residents are not known for favoring. I suggested
to Jim that we schedule a townhall meeting in the high
school and invite opponents and supporters to give us
their views.
Needless to say few of the latter showed up. In fact we
were welcomed at the door of the school by two cowboys on
horseback who turned their horses as we approached. In
doing so we were able to see hand-painted signs they had
hung from their saddles. One said Senator Exon; the other
said Senator Kerrey. Both had arrows pointed down at the
horses' rear ends.
A humbling moment.
As humbling as when he and I first met in 1982. As a
relatively unknown candidate for Governor, I wanted to get
a photograph of Senator Exon and myself to include in my
campaign brochures. Upon meeting him I was surprised how
tall he was and even more so when the film was developed.
I looked like a small imitation of the real thing standing
next to him. In order to use the image I chose to turn the
negative slightly when it was printed making us appear a
little closer in stature.
Truth is I had to do a lot of that during my 16 years in
elected politics when standing next to him.
What impressed me most about Jim Exon was that he never
let his size or his power inflate his personal opinion of
himself. Remarkably and gratefully he never lost his
humility. He never stopped typing notes to Lenny in the
Cloakroom about some baseball detail that only he knew. He
never stopped returning the calls of friends who had
helped him get started or he knew along the way. He began
and ended the same.
He made friends with rich and poor alike, with the
powerful and the powerless. He could count half a dozen
Presidents he had met, including President Bill Clinton
with whom he was especially close. They were all the same
to him--just another human being with a range of strengths
and weaknesses.
He left behind a big and lasting legacy. Balanced
budgets, stronger defense, land conserved, rural
communities healthier, better schools and jobs, and a more
just America. Beyond those accomplishments was something
more important. To all of us who met him, knew him,
respected and loved him, he was like Jimmy Stewart in
``It's A Wonderful Life.'' Our lives and the places we
call home would not have been the same without him.
AMY BRICKER-McGRATH (granddaughter). Governor, Senator,
statesman, champion of the Heartland, friend of the
people; all of these titles suit J.J. Exon, but the title
that was most meaningful to me was Grandpa. I know I speak
for Steve, Colin, Heather, Lindsay, Evan, Anna, and
Jessica, when I say that we are among the luckiest of
people in the world to have a grandfather like him.
Grandpa was a tall man with humor, heart, and an
imagination to match. All the grandchildren can attest to
the famed Lake Andes stories which predictably started
with ``When I was the first-chair flute player of the Lake
Andes Philharmonic Orchestra'' or ``When I was the star of
the Lake Andes pro-baseball team.'' My Grandpa told the
best tall tales about his boyhood in Lake Andes, SD, but
now I realize he was not telling stories about himself. He
was telling stories about each one of us. Each story was
tailored to suit the particular dreams and interests of
the specific grandchild. Every one of us knew for sure
that we were the grandchild he loved the most, and each
one of us was right.
Despite his countless public and political
responsibilities, when we were together he was ours and we
were his. No grandfather could have been more available
and more attentive.
When I sat with my cousins to talk about what we should
say about Grandpa Exon we all agreed on one particular,
spectacular point. It was interesting to us, but not that
important that our grandfather was well known and had lots
of powerful and famous friends. What was most important to
us was clearly that Grandpa Exon had a direct line to the
big man himself, Santa Claus. It is hard to imagine a
Christmas more magical than the Exon family Christmas, and
for my grandparents the magic was in the details. Every
year was the same--dinner with ham, and shrimp, and oyster
stew, which as children we never ate. I don't know who
does eat oyster stew. My grandpa did. After dinner,
Grandpa would load us up in the car and we would drive
around listening to Christmas carols and looking for Santa
Claus. Any blinking red light in the sky might have been a
sign of him, and somehow magically every year Santa found
the Exon house just when we had been away looking for him.
We would pull into the driveway, pour out of the car, and
race to the basement to try to catch a glimpse of him and
his sleigh taking off from the backyard. Each of us
remember a different memento left by Santa. One year, the
dogs had bitten off pieces of his pants and were running
around with red velvet squares. Another year, we had to
wait a painful eternity while Grandpa vacuumed up the
ashes that Santa had tracked from the fireplace down every
stair to the Christmas tree in the basement. Grandpa Exon
believed in the magic of Christmas and the best gift he
ever gave us was a little piece of that magic which we are
now handing down to the next generation of Exon great-
grandchildren.
For a man who had such responsibilities to so many
people my Grandpa Exon maintained an extraordinary
connection to playfulness and fun. He loved silly movies
and theme parks. In fact, he really loved theme parks,
especially Disney World which has been a pilgrimage for
our families for as long as I can remember. One of my
favorite Grandpa Exon memories could have been straight
out of a scene from Chevy Chase's Vacation. It was New
Year's Eve and we were headed to Disney World. Two van
loads of Exon kids and grandkids. Grandpa had tuned into
Disney radio and was singing at the top of his lungs to
his all time favorite ``Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for
Me.'' In the middle of his rendition, our mini-van cruised
under a highway sign which stated simply ``Disney World
Closed.'' Just like the Griswolds in Vacation, Grandpa
would not take closed for an answer and tried to pull some
senatorial strings to get us into Disney World which was
closed because it was at capacity and would probably have
been a miserable place to spend the day. After a family
conference we decided to spend the day at Disney MGM
Studios and had a great New Year's Eve. But I knew that
Grandpa was secretly sad that we never made it to the
Pirates of the Caribbean. Grandpa Exon's commitment to his
family was clearly the top priority in his life.
My cousin Lindsay remembers that as a child she knew he
was a Senator but was not aware that he lived in
Washington, DC, because he came home every weekend to be
with his family. In recent years, it has been a joy to see
how his commitment to family and children was shared to
the newest Exon generation, the great-grandchildren,
Sheridan, Molly, Delaney, Grant, Seamus, Belle, and
Stephen. The littlest Exons will remember their great
grandfather's signature tickle sound and the monster
Grandpastein.
There are two important family members who could not be
here with us today to celebrate Grandpa's amazing life.
The first is my cousin Evan, who is having an adventure of
a lifetime across Europe. He was concerned about leaving
when Grandpa was sick, but Grandpa insisted that he
continue on with his adventure. His favorite Grandpa
memories are of Cardinal baseball games which they
attended together, most notably, the series in which Mark
McGwire hit his 61st and 62d homeruns to break the all-
time record. The second person is my wonderful Grandma Pat
who shared nearly 62 years with the man of her dreams.
Grandma is living with Alzheimer's disease and Grandpa
spent the last years of his life lovingly caring for her.
The blessing of her disease is that she has been spared
the grief of his passing, but she is well. Her sense of
humor is still very much intact and she enjoys spending
time with her family.
The outpouring of love and support from the whole State
of Nebraska has been overwhelming and gratifying for the
entire Exon family. We have come together to celebrate and
say goodbye to our father and grandfather, but we have
been so amazed to realize how important and loved he was
by so many people. The magic of the man was that he made
everyone, the citizens of Nebraska, and each member of his
family feel valued and important and we cherish the love,
respect, and goodwill which is his legacy.
First Reading--Isaiah 25:6-9
MARK BOWEN (former aide). A reading from Isaiah.
On this mountain the Lord of Hosts will make for all
peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the
lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wine on the lees
well refined. And he will destroy on this mountain the
covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is
spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever,
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and
the reproach of his people he will take away from all the
earth; for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that
day. ``Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that
he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for
him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.''
The word of the Lord.
Second Reading--Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39
Brother LEO WILLETT. A reading from the Book of Romans.
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of
God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall
back into fear. But you received a spirit of adoption,
through which we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself
bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of
God. And if children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint
heirs with Christ. If only we suffer with him so that we
may also be glorified with him. I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared
with the glory that will be revealed for us. For creation
awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the
children of God. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who
died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of
God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us
from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or the peril, or
sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly
through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither
death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor
heights, nor depths, nor any other creature will be able
to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
The word of God.
Thanks be to God.
On Eagles Wings, Brent Smith, vocalist; Marcia Wiebers,
pianist
Gospel Reading
Father SAM BOMAN. Please stand.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
John.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God,
believe also in me. In my father's house there are many
dwelling places, if it were not so, I would have told you;
for I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will
receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be
also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.
Thomas said to him, ``Lord, we do not know where you are
going; how can we know the way?'' Jesus said to him, ``I
am the way and the truth, and the life; no one comes to
the Father, except through me.''
The Gospel of the Lord.
Sermon
Father SAM BOMAN. I have to start with something that I
don't have down here. This morning I was chatting with a
neighbor, friend of ours as he was chopping up trees, and
the conversation came to my being here this afternoon and
he said, ``I think he was an OK guy.'' This was a retired
truckdriver, and he said, ``I did not always agree with
him, but as they go I think he was one of the best.'' So I
think that is a tribute. But I do not know how that rests
with the rest of you who are in elected office.
As far as I know, the first time I met Jim it was in
North Platte during his campaign for the governorship.
When you are in small towns you get invited to pray for
your meals a lot. And I was invited to offer the prayer
for thanksgiving over the meal. I was impressed with him
as a speaker and as a man. And over those years that we
lived in North Platte, I was asked on more than one
occasion to join the people gathered with him in a prayer
of thanksgiving. Today, after decades I am honored that
the family has invited me to celebrate in this way Jim's
life. Some of those years, I was the interim director of
the Church of the Holy Trinity in Lincoln, which is his
parish home. Although he was still in Washington most of
the time, when he was in town I usually was in the foyer
when he arrived and greeted him. He shared with the
congregation hearing the reading of God's word and the
Holy Scriptures from which I preach the sermons. He
participated in the prayers, and I gave him God's gift in
the Holy Communion.
Today, in the presence of his earthly home we are
recalling personal glimpses of his life and now we are
sharing the readings and teachings of the Holy Scriptures
and we will be joining in prayer and commending him and
his life. I am struck with two things out of the
Scriptures today. The first is the covering, the veil that
is cast over all people in which Isaiah speaks. Isaiah's
people knew well the ever-present edge to life that death
brings not only to our body, but to our spirit and to our
hope. The ever-present struggle of good and evil is
portrayed to us so vividly in Tolkien's ``Ring Trilogy,''
as well as in ``Star Trek.'' And these resonate with us
because in some way we know that curtain, that veil we
have in our own lives, in our community, in our Nation, in
our world. And even when it pushes away it returns. It may
be like pushing a stick down into the mud. It keeps
springing back at us, and the deeper we push the stick the
more force it pushes back as it rises above the water.
Today, the curtain of death in which Isaiah wrote, seems
so far more real as one of us who has touched our lives is
taken from our presence. And we then can recall and
identify with the words of one of our clergy, John Donne,
long-time dean of Saint Paul's Cathedral, London; ``Ask
not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.'' In each
of us as another dies, a part of us dies too.
The second thing I want to think about is the feast.
Isaiah writes, ``a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on
the lees, a feast of fat things full of marrow.'' A feast
prepared, as Isaiah writes, ``because God is going to
destroy on this mountain . . . the veil that is cast over
all nations. He will swallow death forever.'' And this is
the hope Isaiah brought to a nation defeated and
discouraged in order to restore for them the hope that is
the faithfulness of God. Jesus continued this promise as
he spoke to his disciples as they faced his coming death.
``In my house there are many rooms, I go to prepare a
place for you. I will come for you, that where I am you
will be also.'' And as we can see by the response by
Thomas, their minds cannot comprehend what this will be.
Nor, can we wrap our minds around this. He is our only
reference point. He has and is leading the way somewhat
like some of our historic generals who have gone on to
lead with their troops.
It is this promise of victory which weaves its thread
through the Holy Scripture. It is the promise of eventual
victory over the forces of evil that eat at the lives of
people. It is the promise that can lead a man or woman to
offer to work in the institutions of government to attempt
to walk the minefield of greed and fame all the while
keeping in mind the promise of God to all persons and all
nations. Keep in mind that God has promised us a victory
that even the ultimate defeat of this world, death, cannot
take away. Paul wrote of the strength of that promise and
hope when he wrote these words we heard in his Letter to
the Romans today. Not only does the promise of victory
come, but none of the things and none of the forces can
separate us from the love of God, nor can they stop the
eventual coming of that victory. So, as Jesus told his
disciples, ``Let not your hearts be troubled,'' we are not
to let our hearts be troubled because of Jim's death, nor
the possibility of our own death, or of our own failures,
or the fear of the failure of God to bring about his
purpose for us. Recall, the first question raised by Paul
in that passage, ``Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or
famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?'' Recall then the
answer he makes, ``No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through him who loved us, for I am sure
that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor heights nor depths, nor anything else in
all creation will be able to separate us from the love of
God in Christ Jesus our Lord.''
Walk away from these halls today, moving toward the day
that when that veil is taken away completely. Walk from
these halls today in expectation of the feast of victory
God promised to all nations. Walk from these halls today
empowered by the promise spirit of God which works in us
that which is well pleasing in his sight.
Amen.
Apostle's Creed
Father SAM BOMAN. I ask you to stand.
What we are about to do is an option. I do not want to
embarrass anybody or ask anybody to do something they
cannot do. But, if you wish to join me in the Creed on the
first page of your program you may do so in the assurance
that eternal life is given at baptism. Let us proclaim our
faith and say together:
ALL. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of
Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our
Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin
Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died
and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of
God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the
living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church,
the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
Father SAM BOMAN. You may be seated.
The Lord's Prayer, Brent Smith, vocalist; Marcia Wiebers,
pianist
Closing Prayers
Father SAM BOMAN. In response to these closing prayers, at
the pause would you respond please with ``Hear us Lord.''
For our brother Jim, let us pray to our Lord Jesus
Christ who said; ``I am resurrection and I am life.''
Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress, draw
near to us who mourn for Jim and dry the tears of those
who weep.
Hear us Lord.
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend. Comfort
us in our sorrow.
Hear us Lord.
You raised the dead to life, give to our brother eternal
life.
Hear us Lord.
You promised paradise to the thief who repented, bring
our brother to the joys of Heaven.
Hear us Lord.
Our brother was washed in baptism and was anointed with
the Holy Spirit, give him fellowship with all your Saints.
Hear us Lord.
He was nourished with your body and blood, grant him a
place at the table in your heavenly Kingdom.
Hear us Lord.
Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother,
let our faith be our consolation and our eternal life our
hope.
Hear us Lord.
Would you stand, please.
Father of all, we pray to you for James and for all
those whom we loved and may see no longer. Grant to them
eternal rest, let light perpetual shine upon them. May his
soul and the souls of all the departed to the mercy of God
rest in peace.
Amen.
And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit be upon you today and forever.
Amen.
Recessional: Happy Days are Here Again, performed by
Plymouth Brass