[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 135 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JIM DeFRANCIS

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in memory of Jim 
Upton DeFrancis: a great politician, a great historian, and a great 
family man, who died on January 1 of this year.
  Jim DeFrancis was one of the most influential people in the political 
field, always maintaining political savvy--but not sacrificing 
perspective, an incredible sense of humor, and a belief that politics 
was an avenue for serving others. Very early in my career, I had the 
good fortune of working for Jim in Senator Bob Griffin's office. I will 
never forget the many lessons I learned from him--both directly and 
simply by working near him. One couldn't help but learn from Jim 
DeFrancis.
  In addition to his 10 years with Senator Griffin, Jim DeFrancis was 
an integral member of the presidential campaigns of Gerald Ford and 
George Romney. As a member of the staff of these politicians, Jim was 
able to avoid the spotlight while serving Michigan and national 
politics, in the honorable and professional manner for which now he is 
recognized as a very significant member of Michigan political history.
  Jim's love of politics was rooted in his love of history. He 
especially enjoyed reading about Winston Churchill. An avid reader, Jim 
collected any book on Winston Churchill that he could find, as well as 
other artifacts related to the late Prime Minister. During difficult 
times, Jim would look at Churchill's life as a model, gaining 
inspiration and guidance.
  And while Jim's contribution to politics is exceptional--in his very 
actions, he inspired us to work for others through politics--his true 
love was his family. More than anything else, Jim DeFrancis was a 
family man. Survived by his wife, three sons, his mother and sister, 
his family was the real focus of his life. Everyone who came in contact 
with him would quickly learn about his family--as he always found a way 
to bring them up in a conversation.
  Jim DeFrancis' devotion to his family, his friends, and his career 
was matched by few and will be deeply missed by those who knew him. We 
will never forget Jim--crossing paths with Jim DeFrancis was sure to 
leave a lasting impact. And it is this lasting, far-reaching impact 
that Jim's life has had on those who knew him which calls to mind a 
quote that I think Jim would appreciate, not only because it is a quote 
by Winston Churchill, but because I believe Jim would be moved to know 
what an influence he had on us:
  ``This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But 
it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.''

                          ____________________