[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 28 (Wednesday, March 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E335-E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            IN HONOR OF OUR GOOD FRIEND, JAMES P. ROWAN, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2002

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and friends, it is with deep 
sorrow that I address our distinguished body today to announce the 
passing of a committed Bostonian, a devout patriot, and our good 
friend, Jim Rowan, at age 79.
  For 33 years, Jim Rowan served as a senior political aide to our 
former Speaker, Thomas ``Tip'' O'Neill, Jr.

[[Page E336]]

  For the last 14 years, Jim has served as a senior consultant to the 
Washington firm of Cassidy and Associates, specializing in 
international issues, and he was president of J.P.R. Consulting, Inc.
  A life-long resident of East Boston, Jim attended the High School of 
Commerce, the University of Missouri, the Suffolk University, and 
studied at the Calvin Coolidge School of Law.
  During the Second World War, Jim honorably served 2 years in the U.S. 
Navy in the Pacific Theater.
  In 1953, Jim Rowan joined Speaker Tip O'Neill's staff, serving as 
district representative, friend, and counsel, until the Speaker's 
retirement in 1987.
  During the 1960's, Jim also served as a consultant for the Democratic 
Congressional Campaign Committee, while Speaker O'Neill was its 
national chairman.
  Jim Rowan had a lust for life. Honesty, integrity, his leadership and 
colorful character will sorely be missed.
  Jim Rowan's commitment to the people of Boston, particularly to East 
Boston, his endearing home, has served our Nation well.
  Jim Rowan was one of my closest friends. My wife, Georgia, and I are 
deeply saddened by his passing.
  Along with his many friends in the House of Representatives, in 
Boston, and around the world, we extend our deepest condolences to his 
wife, Frances, and his two his sons, James Jr. and Dan.
  Jim was a great man, a great friend. He lived his life to the 
fullest.
  A racing enthusiast, Jim owned a number of race horses, and, much 
like the race itself, it is a fitting tribute to Jim's life and spirit, 
that his ashes are to be spread at the Saratoga Race Course.
  I know that this House, this chapel of the people, mourns the loss of 
this ``Bishop of Boston,'' A man of the people, our dear friend, James 
P. Rowan, Sr.
  For his friends and family, Jim's wake will be held this Wednesday 
and Thursday from 5 o'clock p.m. until 9 o'clock p.m. at the McGrath 
Funeral Home on 325 Chelsea Street, in East Boston.
  A mass will be held this Friday, March 15th at Our Lady of the 
Assumption Church, 404 Sumner Street, in East Boston.
  Following the mass, Jim's friends and family will be gathering at the 
Airport Hilton to celebrate his life, his legacy, and his many 
achievements; and a ceremony in Washington at a later date.
  God bless you, Jim may you rest in peace.
  We thank you for your companionship.

                          ____________________