[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1245]]



                    HONORING THE LATE JIMMIE ICARDO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I am sad to report that Kern County, 
California lost one of its most prominent and successful friends when 
Jimmie Icardo passed away. Few can or will match commitment to his 
family, his church and to Kern County.
  The businesses Jimmie developed are going to be models for young 
Californians for years to come. He built strong family farm operations 
that produced quality melons, tomatoes, peppers and other crops. He was 
active in the oil and gas, banking and real estate industries. Jimmie 
made his own successes through honest dealings with his neighbors and a 
tremendous amount of hard work. He was equally committed to his 
community.
  Jimmie Icardo will also be remembered for the tremendous support he 
has given the California State University at Bakersfield over the 
years, in particular the University's athletic programs. Jimmie ran 
barbecues to raise money for athletic scholarships, established a trust 
to benefit the program and supported the school in other ways. His 
strong support over several decades helped build CSU Bakersfield into 
the school it is today. The school's decision to rededicate its 
athletic center as the Jimmie and Marjorie Icardo Activities Center is 
only a start toward acknowledging how hard Jimmie worked over the years 
to support an important educational resource for Kern County.
  Jimmie Icardo was a person you asked for help to get things done. His 
strengths and sense of commitment to our community are going to be 
missed by those who now have to measure up to his example.

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