[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1042-E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES A

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life 
of James A of Fresno, California. Mr. A served in the U.S. Army in both 
Vietnam and Korea and was a prominent veteran's activist; he passed 
away May 15, 2006.
  James A was born James Burris on October 18, 1946 in Yreka, 
California. He attended school in Fresno and graduated from Edison High 
School in 1964. As a way of protesting early American slavery, James 
Burris legally changed his name to James A. After investigating his 
genealogy, Mr. A had felt `Burris' was his slave name.
  While serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. A learned to speak German, 
Korean, and Vietnamese. While stationed in Germany, Mr. A met the love 
of his life, Edith Isamann. They were marred in 1966 and had two 
daughters Sabine and Sonja.

[[Page E1043]]

  The couple returned to Fresno to raise their daughters in the 
community James affectionately called home. It was during this time 
that Mr. A began noticing physical problems that later resulted in his 
paraplegia. He was diagnosed with a neurological condition and as a 
result of this he was forced to use a wheelchair. Ever the active sole, 
Mr. A participated in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair races as a 
way of not letting his illness beat him.
  Mr. A used his experience with misfortune to lend a helping hand to 
others. He waged a personal campaign for veterans in Fresno and in the 
state of California. James A helped to establish the Vietnam Veteran 
Monument in Woodward Park. He was also involved with the effort to 
establish the California Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Sacramento. Mr. 
A worked with the Bay Area Western Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of 
America and in 2005 he served as its Vice President.
  In 2002, Mr. A was diagnosed with lung cancer and was in remission 
until January of 2005. Determined to be a shining example for his 
family, despite all of the physical challenges he faced, James A 
continued to serve his community.
  James A is survived by his wife Edith; two daughters Sabine and her 
husband Asker and Sonja and her husband Andrew; grandchildren Ilkin, 
Timur, Emily and Rebecca; two sisters and two brothers.
  James A cared deeply about advocating for veterans. His warm and 
compassionate personality which inspired those around him will be 
missed deeply. I stand today to honor this noble veteran, who served 
our country not only as a soldier but also as a citizen.

                          ____________________