[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 18, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       A TRIBUTE TO JIM CONNELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of my dear 
friend, Jim Connelly. Jim is retiring after a highly distinguished 
public relations career and will be recognized for his many years of 
service an event in his honor on June 27.
  Jim was born in Youngstown, OH on April 2, 1992 as the fourth child 
of Cora and Martin Connelly. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 
1945 with the Military Railway Service and the Armed Forces Radio 
Service in China, Burma, and India. Upon leaving the service in 1945, 
he served as public relations director for Edward J. DeBartolo, the 
shopping center king. He later served as public relations director for 
the Kenley Theater Summer Stock Co. where he was charged with securing 
publicity for celebrities including Mickey Rooney, Alan Jones, Burt 
Wheeler, and others.
  Jim moved to California in 1959 and embarked upon a newspaper career. 
He worked for a number of area papers including the Rialto Record, 
Bloomington News, and the San Bernardino Independent Press. At this 
time, he also handled public relations for Bob Hope including many of 
the Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournaments and the many USO shows 
overseas conducted to entertain our American troops. In a recent note, 
Bob Hope said he was unable to attend Jim's retirement party because he 
was running in a 100-mile marathon.
  To say the least, Jim has had a most remarkable life and career. He 
worked on behalf of the Presidential campaigns of both John F. Kennedy 
and Robert Kennedy. He served as the director of public relations for 
the State of California Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also directed 
public relations for the grand opening of the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial 
Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda. Over the years, he has served many, 
many worthy organizations with his time, energy, and talent.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim Connelly provides an example of community outreach 
and leadership that is deeply respected and admired by his professional 
colleagues and our community at large. I ask that you join me, our 
colleagues, and Jim's many admirers in thanking him for his remarkable 
public service over the years and in wishing him and Rose the very best 
in the years ahead.

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