[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JAMES FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 1998

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is with exceeding regret that 
I advise my colleagues of the death of a great American and one of the 
most socially conscious bankers in Chicago.
  A former Chicago public schools teacher and a 1960's city planner 
with a focus on urban renewal, James Fletcher with three other 
extraordinary individuals established America's first community 
development bank--in 1973. Soon after, Mr. Fletcher became president 
and chief executive officer of South Shore Bank in 1983. He served on 
that post until 1994 and was elected chairman of the bank in 1996.
  With the logic of a philosopher, the passion of a preacher, and the 
precision of a banker he helped redevelop communities who have long 
been forgotten by all of the major banks in Chicago. Indeed, in the 
hands of James Fletcher, community development was a creative act. With 
his foresight, community development is an encounter between socially 
conscious bankers and private investment. Slowly, step by step, they 
proved that a strong, independent banking presence in the neighborhood 
could help get a community back on its feet again.
  Beyond his many professional accomplishments, James Fletcher was one 
of those rare and wonderful individuals who relished being a mentor, 
role model and always a generous father. We cherish his memory as his 
work touched the lives of whole communities: men, women and youth 
alike. Mr. Speaker, I commend to the United States House of 
Representatives and to the American people the life and service of 
James Fletcher.

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