[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE JAMES R. STRONG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment to speak about a 
man of distinguished civil service and professional integrity. The 
Honorable James R. ``Jim'' Strong, former Missouri State Representative 
and State Senator, recently passed away at the age of 77.
  A native of Marshfield, MO, and a lifelong resident of the Jefferson 
City, MO, area, Strong graduated from Jefferson City High School in 
1939. After studying at Jefferson City Junior College, Strong served in 
the United States Navy and was abroad the USS Phoenix at Pearl Harbor 
on December 7, 1941. He served in the South Pacific for the remainder 
of World War II.
  After the war, Jim Strong became the co-founder of Strong Brothers 
Millwork and Lumber Company, and later co-owned other lumber companies. 
He also was involved in office and commercial real estate rental and 
was a cattle farmer for many years. He served on the Jefferson City 
Council from 1969 to 1972, and was elected to the Missouri House of 
Representatives in 1973. In 1982, Strong was elected to the Missouri 
Senate, and he was re-elected in 1986. He retired from public service 
in 1990.
  In addition to his contributions as a public servant, Jim Strong 
participated in many community activities. He was a member and elder of 
the First Presbyterian Church and also held memberships or offices in 
the VFW Post 1003, American Legion Post 5, Pearl Harbor Survivors 
Association, Cole County Fair Association, Cole County Fair and Horse 
Show, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Jefferson City Chamber of 
Commerce, Jefferson City Jay Booster Club, Cole County Historical 
Society, Capital City Council of the Arts, Memorial Community Hospital 
Board of Governors, St. Mary's Health Center Advisory Board, Cole 
County Republican Club, Pachyderm Club, Conservation Federation of 
Missouri, Cole County Association for Mental Health, Cole County 
Volunteer Fire Department, Jefferson City United Way, Cole County 
Extension Service, Lions Club, Jefferson City Rotary Club, Jefferson 
City Jaycees, Jaycee Cole County Fair Association, Mayor's Bond Issue 
Advisory Board, and Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Committee.
  Jim is survived by his wife, Sue, one son, two daughters, two 
sisters, one brother, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim Strong was a true gentleman, and he displayed 
honesty and integrity throughout his public service career. I am 
certain that the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to 
the fine Missouri legislator.

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