[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 175 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2480-E2481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JEROME ``BUDDY'' COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ARTUR DAVIS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to Jerome ``Buddy'' Cooper, a man who articulated, pioneered, 
and embodied a progressive vision for the working people of Alabama. On 
Tuesday, October 14, Buddy passed away after 90 years of a remarkable 
life. Those countless Alabamians who live better lives due to his 
efforts will mourn him dearly.
  An Eagle Scout and graduate of Harvard University, Buddy has 
continually served his family, his nation, and his community. In 1937, 
Buddy became the first law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo 
Black of Alabama. He remained at the right hand of this legendary 
Justice for three years until he decided to answer another call. 
Joining the U.S. Navy in 1940, Buddy served his country for 44 months 
and during some of the bloodiest naval battles of the Second World War.
  Following his courageous war service, Buddy returned to Birmingham to 
begin a long legal career fighting the good fight for the unfortunate, 
the poor, the disposed, all those

[[Page E2481]]

whom the Scriptures name ``the least of these'' and was a constant 
thorn in the side of those who wished to take advantage of them. In 
1963, President John F. Kennedy recognized Buddy's work for social 
justice and racial reconciliation by inviting him to a meeting of 240 
attorneys that later became the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights 
under Law--the group credited with providing official legal support to 
those civil rights activists and organizations challenging segregation 
and racial discrimination across the country. In 1996, Buddy was 
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long 
participation with this select group.
  Buddy demonstrated the same tenacity and loyalty towards his family 
that he exhibited in every other aspect of his life. Married to his 
wife Lois for over 50 years, Buddy exemplified an honest and loving 
husband, caring for his wife throughout the years of her illness. Their 
children, Ellen and Carol, were blessed to have a father who wanted 
nothing more than to love them and watch them grow up in an Alabama 
that was better than the one in which he grew up.
  I am proud, Mr. Speaker, today to honor Jerome ``Buddy'' Cooper for 
his tremendous accomplishments. But, Mr. Speaker, I do so with the 
bittersweet knowledge that Alabama will be lesser tomorrow for his 
passing.

                          ____________________