[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO JAMES RICHARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the passing of a great man from my district. James Richards, 
a native of Western Colorado, recently passed away at the age of 69. 
James dedicated his life to public service and to the challenging legal 
profession. I am honored today to bring his contributions to the 
attention of this body of Congress and this nation.
   After graduating from Western State College with a Bachelor of Arts 
degree in History-Political Science and English in 1955, James went on 
to law school at the University of Colorado, receiving his degree in 
1960. Upon passing the Colorado Bar, James briefly served as Colorado's 
Assistant Attorney General, before becoming a legislative assistant and 
executive assistant for Senator Peter Dominick.
   James proved his versatility and multifaceted talents throughout his 
distinguished career. James held positions as the Assistant US Attorney 
in Denver, the Chief of Buffalo, New York's Organized Crime Strike 
Force, and the Vice President of the Capital Legal Foundation. His 
stellar career of public service attracted the attention of President 
Reagan when he was nominated and confirmed as Inspector General to the 
Department of Energy in 1981, and Inspector General to the Department 
of the Interior in 1985. James' appeal reached across partisan lines as 
President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton asked him to 
continue in his position until he chose to retire on March 31, 1993.
  Mr. Speaker, James Richards was a dedicated man that selflessly 
served his community and country, and I am honored to pay tribute to 
such an industrious public servant. His lifetime of service is an 
incredible model for America's youth. My thoughts and prayers go out to 
his family during this time of bereavement.

                          ____________________