[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING MR. JIMMY FAULKNER, SR. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH 
                                BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with both pride and pleasure that I 
rise this week to honor a great man, as well as a true friend, Mr. 
Jimmy Faulkner, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
  Few people have enjoyed a more wonderful life than ``Mr. Jimmy.''
  As an Air Force pilot, young Jimmy Faulkner answered his nation's 
call to serve and serve he did, always with distinction, valor and 
honor.
  Upon completing his service in the Air Force, Jimmy Faulkner set out 
to blaze a trail of success in the world of business, spanning 42 years 
as the owner and publisher of a chain of south Alabama newspapers, as 
well as serving as president of seven radio stations. At the same time, 
he continued to find a way to serve his community, state and nation, 
first by being elected the youngest mayor in America in 1941, when he 
was elected mayor of his beloved Bay Minette.
  Years later, Mr. Jimmy would go on to serve Baldwin, Monroe and 
Escambia Counties by becoming one of Alabama's most respected and 
influential state senators. Twice he also ran for governor of Alabama.
  Still later, Mr. Jimmy's entrepreneurial talents would give him the 
confidence to start Loyal American Life Insurance Company. And during 
most of the past 50 years, he has also been associated with Volkert & 
Associates, one of the top engineering, architectural, planning and 
environmental firms in the United States.
  One of Jimmy Faulkner's passions has been his lifelong dedication to 
improving education. He has served as a member of the Board of 
Directors for the Alabama Christian College in Montgomery, which was 
renamed Faulkner University in his honor, and Chairman of the Advisory 
Board for James H. Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette. Mr. 
Jimmy holds seven honorary doctorate degrees in law and humane letters, 
and he has served on several commissions that worked to improve 
Alabama's secondary education system.
  Jimmy Faulkner was named the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce 
``Person of the Century'' in 2000. In 2003, he was awarded the Alabama 
Press Association's ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' and received the 
Volkert Chairman's Award in 1994.
  Mr. Speaker, there has been no other individual more important to 
south Alabama or to the life of his local community than James H. 
``Jimmy'' Faulkner, Sr. He is an outstanding example of the quality 
individuals who have devoted their lives to public service, and I ask 
my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on reaching this 
milestone. I know Mr. Jimmy's colleagues, his family and his many 
friends join with me in praising his significant accomplishments and 
extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the 
First Congressional District and the entire state of Alabama.

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