[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 5, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12047-S12048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO JAMES ARTHUR GAY III

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to James 
Arthur Gay III, a pioneer black civic leader from Las Vegas. Through 
his tireless efforts, he was instrumental in the fight to desegregate 
Las Vegas. Jimmy Gay was one of the first black hotel executives in Las 
Vegas in the 1950s at a time when his longtime friends Sammy Davis Jr., 
Nat ``King'' Cole and others were not allowed to stay overnight in 
strip hotels.
  Mr. Gay was one of the best known and respected local black leaders 
of his generation. Among his accomplishments are many ``firsts''. He 
was the

[[Page S12048]]

first black to obtain a mortician's license in the state of Nevada, the 
first black to be appointed to the Nevada Athletic Commission, and the 
first black in the United States to be certified as a water safety 
instructor by the Red Cross. He also was a national record holder in 
the 100-yard dash and an alternate on the 1936 U.S. Olympic track team.
  Born in Fordyce, Arkansas in 1916, Jim was the youngest of three 
children. When he was just 3 years old, Jim was orphaned. Beginning his 
experience with work at age 7 as a house boy, Jim developed a strong 
commitment to work at an early age. He moved to Las Vegas in 1946 as a 
college-educated man having earned his degree from the University of 
Arkansas. Although he was educated and ambitious, getting a job in Las 
Vegas was virtually impossible at the time. He started out as a cook at 
Sills Drive-In, a popular restaurant in the area of Charleston and Las 
Vegas Boulevard working hard to prove himself. In the late 1940s, 
people became aware of Jimmy's many talents. Jim's first break in Las 
Vegas came when the city opened the Jefferson Recreation Center in West 
Las Vegas. He was hired as the Director and among other things also 
coached football, swimming and basketball. His break in business came 
when he was hired as the Sands hotel-casino Director of Communications 
which was one of the highest posts held by a black at that time. During 
this period, the Sands was one of the Las Vegas Strips finest.
  In 1941, Jimmy married Hazel Gloster and together they raised a 
family of five children, 10 grand-children and 17 great-grandchildren. 
Always finding time for his community, he was an active member of the 
executive board of the NAACP. He also was active in local politics 
serving as a member of the Clark County Democratic Central Committee 
and on the executive board of Culinary Local 226.
  Jimmy discovered the world of the hotel industry and opened 
opportunities for many. Over the years, Jimmy served as an executive at 
the Sands, Union Plaza, Fremont, Aladdin and Silverbird hotels. He 
earned the respect of many for his tireless efforts and his love for 
the city of Las Vegas.
  Deservingly, the state of Nevada has honored Jimmy Gay by naming him 
a Distinguished Nevadan in 1988 and a few years before, the city of Las 
Vegas named a park after him. In 1985, the city of Las Vegas and the 
state of Nevada honored him with ``Jimmy Gay Day.'' For his civic 
efforts, Jimmy was named Las Vegas Jaycees Man of the Year in 1952 and 
received a City of Hope commendation in 1959. On numerous occasions he 
was named NAACP Man of the year. His contributions have not only left a 
lasting impression on many, but also served as an inspiration to 
generations of young people growing up in Nevada. Over the years, Jimmy 
helped many deserving black students receive scholarships to his alma 
mater.
  It was once written that ``Some people walk through our life and 
leave after a few seconds. Others come in and stay there for a very 
long time leaving marks that will never be forgotten.'' Jimmy Gay is 
one of those whose legacy will remain for the countless Nevadans whose 
journey will be easier because of his pioneering efforts. Las Vegas is 
a better place because Jimmy Gay went above and beyond to advance the 
cause of social justice. The best one can hope for life is to make a 
difference with their time on earth. There is no doubt that Jimmy Gay 
made a tremendous difference.
  On September 10, 1999 at the age of 83 Jimmy Gay died of 
complications of a stroke. He will be missed but will remain one of the 
most admired and respected local Las Vegas leaders to have graced the 
city. This U.S. Senator is a better person because of the friendship he 
enjoyed with Jimmy Gay and Nevada is a better state because of his 
lifelong effort to ensure equality for all.

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