[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JAMES COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 21, 1996

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness 
at the recent passing of my good friend, James Collins. Jim, who was a 
member of the Salinas City Council, died recently from complications 
caused by cancer. He was 66.
  For much of the past 20 years Jim has loyally and faithfully served 
the people of his hometown of Salinas. He is remembered by myself and 
colleagues as an active and devoted public servant with a keen sense of 
humor that often lightened tense debates. His devotion to education and 
public service was unequaled.
  Jim was born in Santa Rosa and moved to Salinas, CA, where he lived 
for 60 years. He attended the public schools in Salinas and graduated 
from San Jose State University in 1962. He taught physical education at 
local public schools in the Salinas Valley for 23 years.
  He was first appointed to the Salinas City Council in 1975 and 
remained there until 1983 when he stepped down. He ran again for 
election in 1989 and remained on the council until his death. Jim 
served as mayor pro-tem four times and sat on numerous committees and 
boards throughout Monterey County. He was the chairman of the Monterey-
Salinas Transit Board, and was a member of the Fort Ord Reuse 
Authority. He was also a member of the California Rodeo Board for 30 
years.
  Jim's commitment to the youth of Salinas was unsurpassed. He coached 
dozens of youth teams and spent many years officiating at high school 
football and basketball games. He was instrumental in creating the 
Breadbox Recreation Center for youth and he also helped to establish 
the Police Athletic League.
  Jim Collins' commitment to the city of Salinas was commendable. He 
will be remembered by his family and all of the citizens of Salinas for 
his 15 years of public service to the community. My thoughts and 
prayers remain with his family on his passing. He will be sorely missed 
by all of us.

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