[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO EDWARD ``DOC'' JAMES

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 24, 1994

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today 
to pay tribute to an exceptional citizen of the First Congressional 
District of Indiana, the late Edward William ``Doc'' James.
  Doc passed away on Thursday, January 27, 1994. He was the first son 
born to Dr. Randle and Eddie Frances James, on December 8, 1921, in 
Memphis, TN.
  Mr. James graduated from Froebel High School in Gary, IN, in 1941. He 
went on to study at Western Michigan University where he lettered in 
football, basketball, and track. Mr. James' career began with his 
enlistment in the U.S. Navy, and followed with illustrious positions as 
probation officer for the Juvenile Court, superintendent of sanitation 
for the city of Gary, president of the Ol' Timer's Club, chairman of 
the Teamsters International Black Caucus, chairman of Lake County 
Grievance Board, and co-chairman of the Teamsters Human Relations 
Committee. He also served as a board member for the A. Philip Randolph 
Institute and the Trade Winds Rehabilitation Center.
  Doc was the Teamster Local #142 business agent for over 25 years, and 
he also held the office of vice president. He functioned as secretary 
for the Lake County Democratic Party, served on former President Harry 
S Truman's Speaker's Bureau, and maintained membership in the American 
Legion and the NAACP. In addition, Doc coached the 1960 World Champion 
Biddy Basketball for the city of Gary, served as international 
organizer for the Brotherhood of Teamsters, and as a connecting link of 
the Northern Indiana Chapter of Links, Inc., an organization 
encouraging youth participation in local social and political 
activities.
  He leaves to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, Violet [nee Hower]; 
son, Edward Jr. and wife Carolyn; godson, John Hower; grandchildren, 
Kim, Randall, Candice, Brandi, and Gregory; sister-in-law, Gloria 
Bernal of Jacksonville, Florida; brother-in-law, Victor Hower of Gary; 
cousins, Gregory and Jerard Huntington, and Helen McBride--all of 
Chicago, IL; and a host of other beloved family and friends.
  I would like to take this opportunity to commend Mr. Edward William 
``Doc'' James for all of his contributions to Gary, IN. He was a man 
admired for his strong spirit, and will truly be missed by family, 
friends, and citizens of the city of Gary.

                          ____________________