[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE J.P. ``JAKE'' MILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 1999

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary Mississippian, Mr. J.P. ``Jake'' Mills. I am sad to say 
that he passed away on Saturday, April 17, 1999. I am proud to say that 
Jake Mills was a friend of mine and I am thankful for the time I spent 
with him.
  Jake Mills was truly a remarkable person. He touched countless lives, 
traveling extensively across the country where he formed friendships 
and ties that made him such a special person. He had a quick wit and a 
broad knowledge of Biblical scriptures--sometimes combining the two to 
make a serious point in a humorous way.
  He was very active in a wide variety of religious, business, and 
community organizations. Jake was a devout Christian and he lived his 
life in a way that reflected his beliefs and values. He served on the 
board of ``Ministry to Men,'' an organization dedicated to 
strengthening families through personal responsibility. He also worked 
to found the Mississippi Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
  As an advocate for improving education, he served as an outspoken 
member of the State College Board in Mississippi. He always stood up 
for his beliefs and was never shy about expressing his views on what 
needed to be done to improve higher education for our state.
  In 1973, Jake founded J.P. Mills, Inc., a successful business in 
Tupelo, Mississippi. He served on numerous boards including the 
Community Development Foundation, Mississippi Economic Council, 
Petroleum Marketers Association, Business Industry Political Education 
Committee.
  My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife, Jane, and their entire 
family. Mississippi has lost one of our finest leaders in Jake Mills. 
He set an example for all of us to follow and our country is a better 
place because of his life.

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