[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 156 (Wednesday, December 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2476-E2477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. TJ OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2005

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleague, Ms. Zoe 
Lofgren of California, to honor the life of Dr. TJ Owens of Gilroy, 
California who recently passed away. I rise to honor a life dedicated 
to family and the community. His hard work and compassion for those 
often overlooked helped to illuminate a path of social awareness and 
service for others to follow. TJ was the person who made a difference 
in countless lives, giving them hope and showing them that they could 
achieve their dreams.
  The second of nine children, TJ Owens was born on February 4, 1937, 
in Shreveport, Louisiana to General and Maxine Owens. When TJ was 
seven, his father moved the family to

[[Page E2477]]

Barstow, California. Although his parents did not finish high school, 
they instilled in TJ the importance of hard work, perseverance and 
education. Growing up, TJ excelled in academics, student government, 
marching band and five varsity sports. He received a football 
scholarship to the University of Idaho but transferred to Fresno State 
after spending two cold years in Idaho. While at Fresno State, TJ was 
an outstanding football player, an undefeated boxer, and a member of 
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. TJ received his bachelor's degree in 1960, 
making him the first African-American from Barstow to graduate from 
college. He subsequently earned a Masters degree in Counseling from 
Santa Clara University and a Doctorate in College Administration from 
the University of San Francisco.
  In 1960, TJ married his college sweetheart, Carol Curtis. The couple 
had three beloved daughters, Annette, Alisa, and Audrey. They settled 
in Barstow, where TJ began teaching and coaching at his former high 
school.
  He also launched his social and community activism as President of 
the Barstow NAACP.
  The family moved to San Jose in 1968, where TJ worked as a Counselor 
at San Jose City College. He was a mentor and friend to his colleagues 
and students, creating a lasting legacy for the student body. TJ served 
as an advisor to the Black Student Union at San Jose City College, and 
organized the Black Studies Program. He was one of the founding members 
of EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services), a program that 
provides college support services for low-income and educationally 
disadvantaged students. In 1969, TJ also co-founded the San Jose 
Chapter of the NAACP and served as president of the organization.
  TJ married Brenda Jordan in 1984 and became a father to her two 
children, Milah and Navarro. As a loving parent, TJ instilled his 
children with the same dedicated work ethic and perseverance that 
brought him success: All five of his children earned college degrees. 
He loved his children very much and was so very proud of them, 
treasuring his time with them.
  In 1991, TJ became Vice President of Student Services at Gavilan 
College. He was elected President of the Gilroy School Board in 2000 
and served on the Santa Clara County Grand Jury. He was involved in 
more than ten organizations, serving as a leader and community role 
model in all. I first met TJ when I served as a Member of the Board of 
Trustees of the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District. I know 
first hand about his leadership and his passion for those in need. 
Countless young people achieved educational success because of his 
efforts. TJ was an active member of 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley 
where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.
  TJ died on October 17, 2005, surrounded by his family and friends. He 
is survived by his wife, Brenda Jordan-Owens, his children, Annette, 
Alisa, Audrey, Navarro, and Milah, and his two grandchildren, Samuel 
and Tyler.
  TJ's death leaves a huge hole in our community. As a pioneer of civil 
rights, social awareness and community activism, TJ was a friend, 
mentor and local hero. We are grateful for all that he gave to help so 
many in our community, inspiring us all with his dedication and showing 
us how one person can truly make a difference.

                          ____________________