[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES BRENNAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, our home community of Toledo and the state 
of Ohio lost a champion citizen and patriot with the passing of James 
Brennan, who passed from this life on August 11, 2003 at the age of 77.
  Born in Chicago, Jim attended Drake University on a football 
scholarship. He left to join the Army, but upon his return from 
service, he attended the University of Chicago. While in Chicago, he 
began his lifelong career in politics in 1955. Two years later, Jim 
moved to Toledo and established himself as a businessman. He grew 
Freeman Material Handling, now Brennan Industrial Truck Inc, into a 
viable business, which he was able to pass down to his children. While 
a prominent successful business leader, Jim extended himself to the 
broader community, and served on Ottawa Hills Village Council from 1975 
to 1979. He followed this service with three tenures as the chair of 
the Lucas County Republican Party. His chairmanship was marked by 
strong leadership, civility, honesty and cooperation across party 
lines, with his vision always directed toward the betterment of our 
region. In addition to his county chairmanship, Jim also served at the 
grassroots level as a precinct committeeman, state central 
committeeman, and convention delegate.
  Jim did not limit his civic-mindedness to business and politics. He 
was a member of the Ohio Board of Regents and trustee of Defiance 
College. He served on the boards of the Salvation Army, Goodwill 
Industries, and St. Vincent Hospital and was president of the Toledo 
Opera Association. All the while Jim Brennan was first and foremost a 
devoted family man and caring father and grandfather. A good and kind 
man beneath a brusque exterior, Jim lent his talents to many endeavors, 
and our community will miss his wit, energy, bluster, intelligence, and 
devotion. He helped build the character and ethic of our community.
  We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Jim's children James Jr, 
Christine, Kate, and Amy, his brother Robert, and his grandchildren. 
May they find some comfort in the gift of his life and their cherished 
memories. Jim Brennan will be missed.

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