[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 88 (Monday, July 11, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          TRAGEDY IN COLORADO

  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I am terribly saddened by the wildfire 
tragedy near Glenwood Springs, CO, which took the lives of 14 
firefighters last week. My deepest sympathies go out to the families 
and friends of all who were lost.
  Two of these, Jim Thrash and Roger Roth, were experienced 
smokejumpers who were dispatched to the fire from our smokejumper base 
at McCall, ID. Jim had jumped out of McCall for 15 seasons, and Roger 
for 3. Both were highly regarded for their knowledge and skill as 
firefighters. Coworkers at the McCall Smokejumper Base and the 
community at large mourn their loss.
  This tragedy strikes me personally, as I knew Jim Thrash in his 
capacity as president of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. 
Jim and his wife Holly established their own hunting guide business in 
1983, and they have been active in the organization through the years. 
I have met with both Jim and Holly on issues related to the management 
of natural resources in Idaho. Their advice has been very helpful to 
me.
  Jim's 14-year commitment to his Forest Service career, his 
professional leadership and his devotion to family are commendable. His 
accomplishments will continue to benefit the community and all those 
who knew him.
  My thoughts will be with him and his family as well.
  Mr. President, I am submitting a memorial to Jim. I ask unanimous 
consent it be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the memorial was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                         Jim Thrash (1949-1994)

       Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) President 
     Jim Thrash was one of at least a dozen firefighters killed 
     while fighting fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado on 
     Wednesday, July 6. Apparently, Jim was caught when flames, 
     fanned by a sudden shift in winds, jumped the fire line that 
     was being established. The fire was moving at a rate that did 
     not allow some of the firefighters time to deploy their fire 
     shelters. Details on the tragedy are still being pieced 
     together.
       Jim has been a Forest Service smoke jumper based out of 
     McCall, Idaho for the past 14 summers with 213 career jumps. 
     In 1985, Jim and Holly purchased and began a hunting business 
     on the Payette National Forest. Their business later expanded 
     to include a whitetail deer clientele on the Nez Perce 
     National Forest. Jim was also one of Idaho's most respected 
     bighorn sheep outfitters.
       Jim wasted no time in becoming involved in IOGA (1983) and 
     quickly established himself as a good listener and reasoned 
     voice. Beginning in 1988, Jim served two terms as a Board of 
     Director, was elected Vice President in 1992 and became 
     President in 1993.
       Jim personified volunteerism and leadership within the 
     Association and believed strongly in the diversity of IOGA. 
     He worked behind the scenes to encourage the membership to 
     serve on a committee, seek an elected position or pursue a 
     nomination to the Licensing Board. He was consistently 
     proactive and a savvy negotiator regarding issues and 
     concerns at the state and national levels. Jim was a champion 
     of IOGA's Code of Ethics. He was a thoughtful and articulate 
     leader for the industry at the Legislature, in Fish and Game 
     matters, and in his role as chairman of the Wilderness 
     Committee, Jim also was IOGA's chief spokesman in the ongoing 
     effort to monitor and work with the Idaho Outfitters and 
     Guides Licensing Board. Active with national wildlife 
     conservation organizations, he was recently chosen by his 
     peers to be the chairman of the Foundation for North American 
     Wild Sheep outfitter advisory board.
       Like all outfitters and guides, he was at home in the 
     backcountry. He practiced what he preached when it came to 
     responsible, shared use of our public lands and waters. He 
     knew, understood and respected the role of fire in the 
     ecosystem. Needless to say, his leadership will be sorely 
     missed.
       Jim was a very devoted husband and father. Like many 
     outfitter spouses, Holly shared the day-to-day duties of 
     running Salmon Meadows Lodge-Warren Outfitters and providing 
     quality service. Jim leaves two children a ten year old 
     daughter, Ginny, and seven year old son, Nathan. Jim's 
     parents were visiting the family at their home near New 
     Meadows at the time of the tragedy. Jim is also survived by a 
     sister, Loretta Beecher.
       Decisions on IOGA tributes, memorials and remembrances are 
     pending. Holly asks that Jim's many friends and acquaintances 
     in the outfitting world contact the IOGA office (208/342-
     1438) for additional information.

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