[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF JIM HUMMEL, FRIEND AND LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to report to the House 
of Representatives that a great friend and leader--Jim Hummel--has 
died. This man, perhaps the epitome of humility and service, always 
gave more than he took. A lifelong political activist, Jim served more 
than 35 years as a San Antonio firefighter. He retired with great honor 
just last year from Station 17.
  I knew Jim personally. He visited me here in Washington only a couple 
of months ago. Despite his disease, he continued to fight for the cause 
that meant most to him: the rights of his fellow firefighters. A 
lifelong member of San Antonio Fire Fighters Local 624, Jim served as 
their vice-president and led their legislative committee for years. His 
concern for other workers led him into the leadership ranks of the San 
Antonio AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, where he served as Second Vice-
President.
  Jim began his life in 1937 and received his education in San Antonio 
before joining the United States Navy in 1954. He served for two years 
before becoming a firefighter. He was active in community and church, 
devoting time to the fight against muscular dystrophy and the Make-a-
Wish Foundation. Jim was an active member of St. Gerard's Catholic 
Church and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
  We will miss Jim's humor, his warm smile, and his constant and 
extraordinary devotion to civic service. Jim Hummel stands as an 
example of what one person can do to relieve suffering and better the 
lives of those around him.




                          ____________________