[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF JAMES B. WIGLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize James B. Wigle, 
who died Monday September 9, 2002.
  His family, friends, community and industry have suffered a 
significant loss. Jim Wigle was an extraordinary man in many ways and 
has permanently left his mark. Today, I would like to honor James B. 
Wigle's career as a pioneer in the insurance industry, a philanthropic 
community leader, and his extraordinary efforts with the Morgan Horse 
Association and Institute.
  Jim Wigle graduated from the University of Toronto in 1936 with a 
degree in Business Administration and later received his degree as a 
Chartered Life Underwriter from American University. He spent his 
entire career in the insurance industry, except for five years when he 
served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Artillery during World War 
II.
  In 1946 Mr. Wigle came to California while working for the Occidental 
Life Company and later at The Travelers Insurance Company where he 
recognized the opportunities in the insurance distribution sector. 
After becoming an insurance representative, he wrote his first 
association group case in 1951 and began to specialize in this segment 
of the market, thus becoming one of the country's pioneers in insurance 
mass marketing through associations such as the American Legion 
Insurance Trust. To this end, in 1956 he formed Association Group 
Insurance Administrators. Today, AGIA has offices in California, 
Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C. AGIA ranks at the forefront of 
the independently-owned association group insurance broker-
administrators in the United States. Mr. Wigle served as President and 
Chief Executive Officer until January 1, 1986, and then continued to be 
actively involved in the business as Chairman of the Board and Chief 
Financial Officer.
  AGIA is a significant employer in the Santa Barbara and Carpinteria 
communities and participated in the funding of several community events 
over the years. Jim Wigle was always known as a loving, generous, and 
thoughtful person.
  Jim participated in numerous local association programs over the 
years and served nationally as the President of both the American 
Morgan Horse Association and the American Morgan Horse Institute. He 
was responsible for raising the funds necessary to establish the Morgan 
Horse Museum and new permanent home for the AMHA in Shelburne, Vermont. 
His efforts were recognized, when he was named the 1978 Morgan Horse 
Man of the year honoree and 1990 Morgan Horse Hall of Fame honoree.
  His determination, vitality, boundless energy and dedication will be 
missed, but despite his absence, Jim Wigle will continue to serve as an 
inspiration and as a role model to the many people who knew his 
indomitable spirit.

                          ____________________