[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              HONORING JIM KNIGHT OF EAST CHICAGO, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and pride that 
I wish to honor the late Jim Knight of East Chicago, Indiana. His 
dedicated service to the City of East Chicago and to the entire 
Northwest Indiana community until his unfortunate death in May, 1998, 
has resulted in the city dedicating the new East Chicago Public Safety 
Building in his name. I had the privilege of knowing Jim for many 
years, and he was an inspiration to anyone who had the privilege to 
meet him.
  Jim Knight was born in East Chicago on March 13, 1925 and spent his 
youth attending St. Mary's Elementary School and Catholic Central High 
School, which is now Bishop Noll Institute. After graduating from high 
school, Jim prepared himself for a future in the United States military 
by attending the U.S. Navy Sonar School in San Pedro, California. He 
continued his higher education by attending Muhlenberg College in 
Allentown, Pennsylvania.
  After completing his studies, Jim served his country in the United 
States Navy from 1943 to 1945. His devoted service during World War II 
left Jim with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, so after the war 
he decided to re-enlist in the United States Army, where he actively 
served from 1949 to 1953, and then continued his military service in 
the reserves.
  Although his experiences in the military took him to many places 
around the world, Jim Knight's heart was always in Northwest Indiana. 
He spent his time exploring many different occupations, including 
working as an ironworker for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, earning his 
real estate license, serving as a Lake County Deputy Sheriff, and 
finally as the East Chicago City Controller, a position he held from 
1972 until his death in 1998.
  Jim Knight dedicated his personal and professional life to making 
East Chicago and Northwest Indiana a better place. He developed a love 
for politics while lobbying for the Lake County Fraternal Order of 
Police. He was also involved with many professional associations, 
including the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, the Indiana 
Controllers' Association, the Lake County Convention and Visitor's 
Bureau, and the East Chicago Board of Public Works. Jim was also the 
President of the East Chicago Waterway Management District.
  When he was not with his wife, June, their six children and twelve 
grandchildren, Jim spent much of his personal time as a member of 
various social clubs. He was the Past Exalted Ruler of East Chicago 
Elks Lodge #981, and was a member of the East Chicago Goodfellows Club, 
American Legion Post 369, and many others.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Jim Knight and commending the City of 
East Chicago for dedicating their new public safety building in the 
memory of an outstanding citizen of the East Chicago community. Jim 
devoted his time to improving the quality of life in his native city, 
as well as Northwest Indiana, and his legacy will continue for 
generations to come.

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