[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 31 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES ROBERT SHERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 13, 2006

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Mr. James Robert 
Sherman, winner of the Eugene Casson Crittenden Award.
  The Eugene Casson Crittenden Award was first presented in 1967 
recognizing superior achievement by permanent employees of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology, also known as NIST. James 
Sherman is a recipient of this award for performing services that had a 
significant impact on technical programs beyond his own office, going 
above and beyond the call of duty.
  James Sherman, ``Jim'' to family and friends, grew up on a small 
family farm and he worked hard each day with his father and brothers. 
He learned the value of a good work ethic early on. Married to his wife 
Betty, and soon to be a father, Jim began work at the Colorado Research 
Corporation as a machine sheet metal welder. Among many important 
technological milestones at CRC, Jim helped to build parts for the 
analog computer as well as special components for Boeing.
  On October 20, 1965, Jim Sherman became an employee for the National 
Bureau of Standards, known as the NBS, which would later be called 
NIST. Jim joined the NIST team in the Boulder Laboratories as part of 
the technical community and the Engineering, Maintenance, and Support 
Services Division, EMSS, as a laboratory mechanic. In 28 years in this 
position, Jim worked diligently on sheet metal work for the first 
atomic clock and on a device used to measure the ozone layer. Jim 
worked to acquire more warning time for the tornado warning system and 
in doing so provided research which aided in the development of the 
Doppler radar system as we know it today. In 1995 the shops in Boulder 
came to a close, and Jim gladly accepted his new position as Shop 
Planner.
  Since, Jim has been the one responsible for ensuring the town streets 
are clear of snow. Right from the start, Jim was given the 
responsibility for maintaining the snow removal equipment before the 
first snowfall of the season and he did this with much success. Of his 
own accord, Jim, using his own mastery of welding, would even 
recondition the blades of the snow plows saving the EMSS from the 
necessity of contracting outside help. Soon, Jim was given the 
responsibility of leading the snow crew and overseeing the operation. 
As he took on this leadership role he always conducted himself in a 
truly professional manner. On many occasions Jim could be found 
arriving much before a site opened and leaving far after the close of 
business. This can-do attitude left him with the reputation as the go-
to guy.

  As of October 20, 2005, James Robert Sherman worked for the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology for 40 years. His dedication, 
reliability, and work ethic through the years made Jim the ideal 
candidate for the Crittenden Award as well as a model citizen of the 
great State of Colorado. Not only has Jim worked hard for the State of 
Colorado with passion and drive, but he is also extremely well 
respected by his peers.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Sherman, a man of great 
integrity, dedication, and commitment. Jim has worked tirelessly, time 
and time again, going above and beyond the call of his regular duties. 
As a Member of Congress I am proud to represent such a fine citizen of 
the 4th District of Colorado.

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