[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE DEATH OF JAMES A. GRAHAM, FORMER NORTH CAROLINA COMMISSIONER OF 
                              AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. BURR. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina lost a great friend today. For 
36 years, the Old North State's agricultural interests were overseen 
with care, love, and passion by Jim Graham. For 36 years, Jim Graham 
served as Commissioner of Agriculture for my State, and he was probably 
the most beloved figure in public life in 20th century North Carolina.
  Anyone who met the Commissioner--whether they met him once, or knew 
him for all of his 82 years--knew the same Jim Graham. He was affable, 
kind, and passionate. Mr. Graham grew up in Rowan county, was educated 
at State College (now North Carolina State University), and held 
several agriculture-related jobs before he entered public service, 
including managing the Dixie Classic fair in my home town of Winston-
Salem. He was appointed Commissioner of Agriculture in the summer of 
1964, was elected to the position that fall, and held it until his 
retirement in 2001.
  Mr. Speaker, the Commissioner was a passionate member of the other 
political party. So passionate, in fact, that when introduced at 
political rallies, he would let out the loudest donkey bray you have 
ever heard. But while he brayed loudly for his party, he never spoke 
louder, or with more passion, than he did when preaching for the 
betterment of the North Carolina farmer. He always held the land, and 
the people who worked the land, in the highest esteem.
  With all the changes that have occurred in North Carolina agriculture 
in the last 30 years, it is a good thing that we had Jim Graham looking 
out for us. When he was looking out, he was looking forward. He took 
the Tar Heel State from near-total dependence on the golden leaf of 
tobacco, to today, when tobacco income is complemented by hogs, 
poultry, winegrapes, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and more.
  He was a positive voice for the future of North Carolina, and just as 
he would never forget your name, not soon will many forget his ever-
present cigar and cowboy hat, his kind manner and love for his state.
  No farmer anywhere had a better friend than Jim Graham. No State in 
the Union had a better public servant than Jim Graham. Well done, good 
and faithful servant.

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