[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO THOMAS JAY HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Thomas Jay 
Harris, the former editor of the leading newspaper in Lubbock, Texas 
who passed away on Sunday, February 26. During the course of his 87 
years, Jay could call many people his friend and could point to many 
achievements. He was a war veteran, a community leader, and a proud 
newspaperman.
  Jay began his 53-year journalism career in 1938 working for the 
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal while still an undergraduate student at Texas 
Tech University. He then spent 3 years serving his country in the Air 
Force during World War II. Following the war, he returned to the 
newspaper. He would remain at the A-J for the rest of his professional 
career, the last 22 years of which were spent as the newspaper's 
editor.
  As editor, Jay deftly balanced the need to report on issues of 
importance to the local community while still pursuing stories of 
national and international significance. It was this thirst for foreign 
affairs that led him to support the International Cultural Center at 
Texas Tech. This center introduced students and aspiring journalists to 
the cultures of foreign countries.
  I had the privilege of knowing Jay. Almost every time I spoke with 
him, he had an idea on how to make Lubbock or Texas Tech better. Jay 
was persistent and always stuck with an issue until he got results.
  Jay lived his life with passion. I will miss Jay and his enthusiasm 
for his work, for his community, and for his country.

                          ____________________