[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO J.R. CURTIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of an 
exceptional man, an outstanding community leader and beloved citizen of 
Longview, Texas, the late J.R. Curtis, whose life was cut short at the 
age of 55 following a motorcycle accident on September 2 in Durango, 
Colorado. J.R. lived life with enthusiasm--and with a tremendous 
devotion to his family, his community, his friends and his faith. He 
leaves a remarkable legacy of professional and civic accomplishments--
as well as a legacy of loving relationships with his family and many 
friends.
  J.R. was born on August 18, 1945, to James R. Curtis, Sr., and Sarah 
DeRue Armstrong Curtis of Longview. He graduated from Longview High 
School in 1963 and graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort 
Worth in 1967. He also attended the American Institute of Foreign Trade 
in Glendale, Ariz., from 1967-68.
  J.R. was a successful and popular radio broadcaster in Longview. He 
purchased KFRO AM/FM radio station from his father in 1986 and was the 
owner and manager until 1998. He also became owner of KLSQ-FM and 
operated KNYN in Santa Fe, N.M. He began his broadcasting career in 
high school, working for his father's station as sportscaster for 
KFRO's Wednesday night Teen Time Program. He learned all aspects of the 
radio business, from engineering to news and sales, at an early age.
  J.R. was active in the Texas Association of Broadcasters, serving as 
a medium market director for TAB and as president of TAB. He was named 
Texas Broadcaster of the Year in 1990. He also was active at the 
national level, serving as a member of the National Association of 
Broadcasters Blitz Committee and as a director of NAB in Washington, 
DC, from 1996-99.
  In addition to broadcasting, J.R. served as president of the Curtis 
Foundation, president of Workmans Oil Co., and a director of First 
Federal Savings Bank of Longview from 1982-1997. At the time of his 
death, he was employed as a consultant with Longview Economic 
Development Corp.
  J.R. served nine years on the Longview City Council, from 1975-1984. 
In 1977 he became the youngest mayor in Texas when he was appointed by 
the council at age 33 to the city's top job. His recent community 
involvement included serving as president and vice president of 
Longview 20/20 Forum; finance chairman of Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 
1997; director of Longview Partnership, 1995-98; and a member of the 
administrative board of First United Methodist Church, 1996-98. He had 
a 19-year perfect attendance record in the Longview Rotary Club, where 
for many years he kept the membership informed of local and national 
news.
  Other involvements included serving as president of Gregg County 
Housing Finance Corp., executive committee member for the East Texas 
Council of Governments, director of Little Cypress Utility District, 
director of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, foundation board member 
of Good Shepherd Medical Center, foundation board member of LeTourneau 
University, board member of Crisman Preparatory School and a volunteer 
for many other organizations. He was a member of the Collier Sunday 
School Class at First United Methodist Church and an usher at the 
church.
  J.R. is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Sue Skaggs Curtis; 
his son and daughter-in-law, Jason Skaggs Curtis and Janey of Fort 
Worth; his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Curtis of Longview; granddaughter, 
Margaret Lynn of Forth Worth; his aunt, Ruth Elizabeth Curtis Gray of 
Longview; mother-in-law, Fredna Skaggs of Longview; brother-in-law Bill 
Hodges of Longview and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. 
Richard Lucas of Longview; two nephews and a niece, and other 
relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, 
Elizabeth DeRue Curtis Hodges.
  J.R. had biked to Durango with five friends for an annual getaway 
vacation. He died as he had lived--with enthusiasm for life and for 
friendship. He will long be remembered for the significant 
contributions he made to his beloved city of Longview. As his wife and 
high school sweetheart, Sue Curtis, noted, ``He loved Longview. He 
believed in Longview. He was born here and went to school here and 
wanted to make it a better place.''
  And he did. J.R.'s influence can be found everywhere in Longview--and 
will be felt for years to come. Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let 
us do so in celebration of the life of this wonderful man and citizen 
of Longview, Texas--J.R. Curtis, whose memory will be cherished in the 
hearts and minds of those who knew him and loved him.

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