[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1281-E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF JAMES FRANCIS McFARLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 1997

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Jim 
McFarland, a member of my staff who passed away last week. For over 2 
years, Jim had served the people of Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional 
District as a member of my staff, but his years of service to the 
people of Pennsylvania and the Nation began long before my election to 
Congress.
  Jim was born in 1928 in McKeesport, PA, and lived his entire life in 
the area of western Pennsylvania known as the Mon-Valley. He bravely 
served our country as a member of the Army Air Force during the Korean 
war and after the war returned to the Mon-Valley where he worked as a 
tool and die maker for the

[[Page E1282]]

next 40 years at Fisher Body. His public service continued throughout 
his life exemplifying his commitment and concern for improving the 
lives of all people.
  For 20 years, Jim served as a councilman in his hometown of Jefferson 
Boro, which honored him with the Crossweight Award in recognition of 
this service. He also served as a trustee at his church, as the 
chairman of the Jefferson Boro Democratic Committee, and as president 
of Local No. 544 of the United Auto Workers. In truth, however, this 
collection of titles and official positions, while impressive, barely 
scratches the surface in terms of defining the man.
  Jim McFarland was a truly compassionate individual the likes of which 
this world is rarely lucky enough to see. His presence graced the lives 
of everyone he came in contact with including his wife, Garnet, his 
son, Kevin, and his brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. On a personal 
level, I considered Jim to be one of my most trusted and valued 
friends. I only knew Jim for a small part of his 68 years, but from the 
day I first met him some 5 years ago I was struck by his rare 
combination of dedication, intellect, and extraordinary compassion. I 
was truly honored to have Jim consider me his friend. I know that I 
speak no only for myself, but for everyone that knew Jim, in saying 
that while we will miss him terribly, there is still a sense of joy 
because the world is a better place because of the life of Jim 
McFarland.

                          ____________________