[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES ROTHSTEIN

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a great South 
Dakotan--James Rothstein. I was saddened to receive word that James 
passed away recently. He was my friend, and I will miss him.
  James spent his life in the Midwest. Though born in Eden Valley, MN, 
and a high school student in Haynes, ND, James Rothstein spent most of 
his life in Mobridge, SD. He played a vital role in his community, 
where he served on many local and State boards. He dedicated his life 
to the development of his State and community. Indeed, James Rothstein 
was a leader who cared deeply about the people of South Dakota.
  For years, James served in the South Dakota House of Representatives. 
He was a vocal member of the South Dakota legislature. In fact, he 
served as majority leader of the State House from 1969 until 1973.
  James worked hard all his life. He devoted his time to building the 
economy in Mobridge. He helped the city grow, develop, and prosper. I 
am privileged to have known James. His leadership, good will, and 
service have inspired me in my own life. He will be missed.
  Mr. President, the Sioux Falls, SD, Argus Leader newspaper recently 
printed an article praising James Rothstein's life-long 
accomplishments. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in 
the Record.
  There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

        [From the Sioux Falls, SD, Argus Leader, Nov. 11, 1995]

     James Rothstein Dies at 81; From Politics to Sales, He Fit in

                         (By Denise D. Tucker)

       Mobridge--James Leland Rothstein maintained relationships 
     with people from all walks of life. Rubbing elbows with 
     farmers or governors, he fit in.
       ``He was a distinguished gentleman,'' said Rothstein's son, 
     John of Mobridge.
       Rothstein, 81, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1995, at the Mobridge 
     Regional Hospital.
       Rothstein, described by his son as a humble man, enjoyed 
     being with people.
       ``He was in the insurance business and he liked it because 
     it put him in front of lots and lots of people,'' said John 
     Rothstein.
       Through his volunteer efforts, Rothstein was able to help 
     and influence a number of lives. He volunteered for civic 
     organizations and served in political office.
       He was a member, past president and director of the 
     Mobridge Chamber of Commerce; was past president and director 
     of the Mobridge Community Hospital Association; was the 
     cochairman of the Mobridge Community Hospital fund drive; was 
     past president and board member of the Mobridge School 
     district; chairman of the Walworth County School Board; past 
     president, director and member of the Mobridge Rotary Club; 
     founding member, past secretary and director of the Mobridge 
     Rodeo Association; fund drive chairman for the Boy Scouts; 
     chairman of the Walworth County Cancer Society; member of the 
     Oahe Sportsman Club; past president and director of the 
     Mobridge Country Club; and the Walworth County director for 
     Radio Free Europe.
       ``He had a huge capacity for taking on chores,'' said 
     Rothstein's son. ``He was a multidimensional person.''
       Rothstein's political contributions included serving in the 
     state Legislature from 1963 until 1974. He was voted 
     outstanding freshman legislator in 1965. He served on various 
     committees and was majority leader from 1969 to 1973 in the 
     House of Representatives. He also served on the 
     Transportation Department board from 1979 until 1992. He was 
     inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Fame in 
     1993.
       John Rothstein said his father decided young age that he 
     wanted to do something that would make him a distinguished 
     man. He was able to do so through his contributions.
       Rothstein was born April 10, 1914, at Eden Valley, Minn. He 
     moved with his family to Haynes N.D., and graduated from 
     Haynes High School. He later moved to Bismarck, N.D., where 
     he was employed by Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. as a salesman. 
     In 1936, he moved to Aberdeen, where he was employed by 
     Griggs-Cooper Co. as a salesman.
       He married Lucille Adkins on July 20, 1938, in Aberdeen. 
     They made their home there. In June 1940 he was transferred 
     to Mobridge. In 1943, he resigned from the Griggs-Cooper Co. 
     and began a career in insurance.
       From April 26, 1944, until Dec. 10, 1945, he served in the 
     U.S. Navy, during World War II. After his discharge, he began 
     his association with Provident Life which lasted more than 50 
     years.
       He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Knights of 
     Columbus, VFW and the Parker-Browder American Legion Post of 
     Mobridge.
       He was also a member of the Life Underwriters of South 
     Dakota, Aberdeen Association and has received the National 
     Quality Award for more than 35 years. He was honored as Boss 
     of the Year by the Mobridge Jaycees in 1958. He became a 
     charter member of the Provident Life Insurance Hall of Fame 
     in 1976.

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