[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 98 (Monday, July 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7683-S7684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES A. TURNER

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dear friend, James A. Turner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jim Turner was a 
man of great courage, intelligence and character. We were friends for 
more than 40 years. I believe America has lost a great patriot with the 
recent death of James A. Turner.
  Born in 1925, Jim grew up on a farm just outside of Tuscaloosa, 
Alabama. As World War II began, Jim left high school to serve his 
country. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served with honor. Indeed, 
he earned and received the Purple Heart in 1945 on Iwo Jima when a 
machine gun blinded him during battle.
  Jim returned to Alabama and in spite of his blindness earned his 
undergraduate degree in 1949. He received his juris doctorate from the 
University of Alabama in 1952. Jim always credited his wife and 
classmate, Louise, for his success in school. Louise read Jim's 
textbooks to him so he could keep up with his studies.
  Following graduation, Louise joined Jim at their law firm, Turner and 
Turner. Today, their son, Don, and their grandson, Brian, also work at 
Turner and Turner. The family law firm has spanned five decades and 
continues to thrive in Tuscaloosa.
  Together, Jim and Louise raised three wonderful sons, Don, Rick and 
Glenn, who have brought them great joy in life. Their grandchildren, 
Brian, Lindsay and Brittany; and great-granddaughter Farris, are 
sources of considerable pride.
  Jim was active in his community. He was an active member of the 
Tuscaloosa Bar Association and also served

[[Page S7684]]

as President of the Tuscaloosa Bar Association. His family worshiped at 
United Methodist Church in Alberta.
  We have in recent years heard reference to ``the Greatest 
Generation.'' Many of us have friends and relatives who have served our 
country and earned the right to wear that mantle. However, I know of 
few men who lived every day of their lives with the valor, courage, and 
love of country with which Jim Turner lived his entire life.
  Our country has lost a good man and great lawyer, a devoted husband 
and father, a proud Marine and a loyal American. Words cannot express 
the respect I have for Jim Turner, nor can they express the sorrow my 
family and our community feels since this loss.

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