[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          IN MEMORY AND TRIBUTE TO JAMES J. ``JIMMY'' CREAMER

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                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 1999

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay solemn tribute to a 
distinguished colleague and dear friend, James J. ``Jimmy'' Creamer. I 
must confess that I can hardly believe that this man, so full of life 
and love, is no longer with us. Just last week, I ran into Jimmy in the 
halls of the Rhode Island State House. We had a typical conversation, 
laughing at Jimmy's stories and humorous insights into Rhode Island 
politics, and then he passed away suddenly the next day. I mourn the 
passing of this wonderful man, but I also stand today in appreciation 
of the conversation I had with him on Monday, and countless others like 
it, and in celebration of a life lived to the fullest and to the 
benefit of all who knew him.
  Jimmy Creamer was a lifelong resident of Providence, Rhode Island. He 
started his career in public service by enlisting in the United States 
Marine Corps out of high school. After serving for three years in the 
military, he became a member of the Providence Fire Department and 
retired as Lieutenant after 20 years and with a Commendation for 
Devotion to Duty and Meritorious Services. He also found the time, 
while working and raising his young family, to pursue higher education 
and return to Providence College and earn both his Bachelor of Arts and 
Master of Arts degrees.
  After retiring from the Fire Department Jimmy began his career in 
Rhode Island politics, holding several different positions before being 
appointed Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the Rhode Island House of 
Representatives. He held that position for 19 years, under the 
leadership of three different speakers, and became an invaluable 
resource to the members of the State legislature and the people of 
Rhode Island. He brought both institutional knowledge and political 
insight to his work, as well as a tremendous sense of dedication, 
loyalty, and integrity.
  In addition to his professional work at the State House, he lent his 
expertise to the Democratic party in Rhode Island as chairman of the 
8th Ward Democratic Committee in Providence and as a well-respected 
member of the Democratic State Committee. He also found the time to 
continue his involvement with the Providence Fire Department, to serve 
as a substitute teacher in the Providence school system, to help 
organize youth hockey in the area, and to coach a Little League 
baseball team. As his colleagues in the Rhode Island House of 
Representatives stated in a recent House Resolution, ``Anyone could 
plainly see that his heart belonged to children. The look of joy on his 
face was evident every time he taught a child to swing a bat or stand 
up on skates. . . . Jimmy loved children.'' What an incredible 
testament to the legacy this man has left behind him.
  I first met Jimmy when I was elected to the Rhode Island House of 
Representatives in 1984, and he quickly became a close friend and 
trusted adviser. I could always depend on Jimmy for sound and honest 
advice, and perhaps even more importantly, for a smile and a few words 
of wit or encouragement. I am proud to have called this man my friend, 
and feel that the entire Rhode Island State Legislature is a better 
institution for his 19 years there.
  Jimmy's life was dedicated to his family and then to the people and 
State of Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his two 
sons, James and Patrick, two grandchildren, and a brother and three 
sisters. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, 
and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family as they mourn the loss 
of this special and generous man. He will be sorely missed by all who 
had the pleasure to know him.




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