[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JAMES EDWARDS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to honor 
James Edwards Jr., who passed away at age 68. James Edwards Jr. was a 
man who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. He was a true 
visionary with a vision of a better life for all Americans. He spent 
his life fighting for equality, justice, and opportunity and was one of 
the first African-Ameicans elected to political office in Galveston 
County in modern times.
  He was a community activist who believed in opportunity for all, and 
was always looking to the future of the Southeast Texas-Gulf Coast 
area. Throughout his long and successful career he provided opportunity 
to many. James was a long time union leader who joined the Oil, 
Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union in 1964 when he went to 
work at the Marathon Oil Co. Refinery in Texas City. He was named Texas 
state legislative director by OCAW's District 4 Council in 1983 and 
served as secretary-treasurer of the Texas City local from 1986 until 
the early 1990's. James was a tremendous influence on the labor and 
political community in Texas, and those in that arena often sought his 
advice.
  James was a family man. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Mae; 
their son, James Edwards III; and her children from a previous 
marriage, Deborah Boone, Pierce Boone and Joseph Boone.
  Mr. Speaker, despite his great success, James Edwards Jr. remained a 
man of the people, honest and forthright. His was of the utmost 
character, and his attributes of selflessness and commitment to others 
are rare gifts that the Southeast Texas-Gulf Coast area was lucky to 
have. His work and his dedication to the people of this great country 
is unparalleled. James Edwards Jr. will be sorely missed.

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