[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12051-S12052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JUDGE JAMES FRANKLIN BATTIN

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
Montana's favorite citizens, who died last Friday. Some will remember 
his name and some will remember his presence in these halls of 
Congress. Judge James Franklin Battin left a legacy of service to this 
Nation and to our State of Montana, and to everyone who came in contact 
with him. He was 71 years old. He died of cancer at his home in 
Billings, MT. He is survived by his wife Barbara, two daughters, and a 
son who is now serving as a member of the California State legislature.
  The judge was born February 13, 1925, in Wichita, KS, and was a 
personal friend to former Senator and now Presidential candidate Bob 
Dole, of Kansas. Both of them being born in Kansas, we can see why. But 
he moved with his family to Billings in 1929.
  The life story of ``Big'' Jim Battin reads like the life story of 
this great United States. There are stories like this one all over 
America, but they are not told or given their proper space in American 
lore. When this Nation called during its great time of need and peril 
in World War II, he answered. He served in the U.S. Navy, earned two 
battle stars at Saipan and Okinawa.
  He also answered the call to serve the people of eastern Montana, and 
represented them and America in the House of Representatives from 1961 
until President Nixon appointed him Federal district judge in 1970.
  Everyone who knew him here as a Congressman had great respect for 
him. He was known for his vision, his wisdom, and a quick wit. More 
important, he was known for his integrity: His word was his bond. All 
these great characteristics he carried over in his work on the bench 
and the important decisions he made every day that affected peoples' 
lives.

  To Jim Battin, all people had faces. I know of no one who ever met or 
dealt with Big Jim who had the feeling that he did not care, this tall 
Congressman from Montana, who had a heart as big as the sky and as big 
as the State he represented.
  From a personal standpoint, I feel a great loss. He was one that I 
went to when I was confronted with problems arising out of Washington. 
Who better to go to, than a man who was held in

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high esteem here? No matter how busy his schedule, he always took the 
time, and we would visit. So, I have lost a great friend, adviser, and 
teacher.
  There is one other thing, though, I will not miss--his great 
negotiating ability on the first tee. He loved the game of golf, and he 
played it with great passion.
  We do not say goodbye very often in our country; we just say, ``So 
long.'' Even though our trails will part now, they will cross again 
someday.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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