[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN MEMORY OF JOHN R. STOKES, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to recognize 
Humboldt County attorney and World War II hero John Reynolds Stokes, 
who died Friday, January 5, 2001 in Arcata, California at the age of 
83. His life was dedicated to the defense of democracy in war and in 
peace.
  John Stokes grew up in Southern California and received his 
undergraduate education at Santa Barbara State College. In 1942 he was 
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and was trained 
to fly the Martin B-26 Marauder. Stationed in England, he flew many 
missions over France. His 29th mission was the D-Day bombing of the 
Normandy Coast. After the liberation of Paris, Group Commander Stokes, 
based in France, made his last combat flight on March 13, 1945. He 
served with valor and distinction and was awarded the Distinguished 
Flying Cross with ten Oak Leaf Clusters. Throughout his life, he stayed 
in touch with survivors of the 344th Bomb Group with whom he had shared 
the perils of war. He returned often to France to visit with French 
comrades.
  John Stokes returned to California and entered Boalt Hall School of 
Law at the University of California at Berkeley. After graduation in 
1948, he moved to Arcata, California with his wife Edith where he 
practiced law for more than fifty years. He served that community as 
City Attorney from 1950 to 1983. He was a member of the State Bar Board 
of Governors from 1979 to 1982 and was Chairman of the Committee of Bar 
Examiners from 1985 to 1986. Many young lawyers, new to the practice of 
law, were grateful for his guidance and counsel.
  A life-long Democrat, he took particular pleasure in helping young 
people who sought careers in public service. Many successful candidates 
valued his advice and support. He served as Chairman of the Humboldt 
County Democratic Central Committee for ten years.
  Courageous in war, honorable and valiant in the pursuit of justice, 
John Stokes devoted his life to safeguarding the liberties we all enjoy 
as American citizens.
  He has left a distinguished legacy to his five children, Katherine, 
John, Mary, Lucy and Emily, as well as his grandchildren, Sam, 
Catherine and Anna.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize John 
Reynolds Stokes for his unwavering commitment to the ideals and values 
that sustain our great country.

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