[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1104-E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        A TRIBUTE TO JAMES SMITH

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of Mr. James 
Smith of Ridgecrest, CA. Jim, a dedicated professional and longtime 
community activist, is retiring as the manager of Administration for 
North American Chemical Co. A tribute dinner will be held in his honor 
on June 2 to honor his more than 40 years of support to the chemical 
industry.
  Jim Smith graduated from Loyola University in Los Angeles in 1954 and 
served 2 years in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Following 
graduation, Jim went to work for American Potash and Chemical Corp. 
where he served in supervisory and management positions at plants 
across the country. In 1967, Jim went to work for Kerr McGee Chemical 
Corp. of Trona where for 23 years he fulfilled critical functions 
relating to labor relations, environmental relations, and community 
relations. In 1990, Jim went to work at North American Chemical Co. 
where he has served as manager of Administration and Regulatory Affairs 
and most recently, as special assistant for public affairs.
  To say the least, Jim has played an extraordinary and active role in 
our community. He is a board member of the Fire Mountain Foundation, 
the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce, the Chemical Industry Council of 
California, [[Page E1105]] the Desert Empire Fair, and the Maturango 
Museum. In addition, he has also served as an elected trustee of the 
Trona Joint Unified School District, and as a board member for the 
Council on Substance Abuse Awareness and the Searles Valley Community 
Service Council. Jim is also a past member of the San Bernardino County 
Air Pollution Control Advisory Council and a member of the Kern County 
Air Pollution Central District Hearing Board.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Jim's wife, 
Grace, and his family and many friends in recognizing his many fine 
achievements and selfless contributions. Over the years, Jim Smith has 
touched the lives of many people and it is only fitting that the House 
of Representatives recognize him today.


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