[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JIM HORNAK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I take 
this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished 
citizens, Jim Hornak of Hammond, Indiana. On Monday, May 14, 2007, Jim 
passed away at the age of 56 as the result of an automobile accident. 
Known for his commitment to his union and his community, Jim will 
surely be missed by his family, friends, and the people with whom he 
worked.
  Always a champion of developing the minds of young people in the 
community, Jim served as School Board President for the School City of 
Hammond. As a member of the board, Jim was fully committed to 
establishing and continuing educational programs that would afford the 
children of Hammond with the best opportunity for a productive future. 
Jim was focused on providing students the tools necessary to be 
successful in their academic careers. Furthermore, Jim was a firm 
believer that in order for students to achieve success and reach their 
full potential, they need the best teachers to serve as their guides. 
For this reason, Jim was a strong advocate for these teachers when it 
came to their professional development, and he constantly sought 
opportunities that would help make them better and more efficient in 
their position to help shape their students' futures.
  Not only was Jim focused on improving his community's school system, 
he also played a major role in the betterment of his union, Carpenters 
Local 1406. Though he retired in 2006, Jim was a true leader among the 
carpenters of Northwest Indiana. For 20 years, Jim served as a business 
agent for the union. During that time, he also served as a board member 
for regional organizations and the Northwest Indiana Joint Carpenters 
Apprentice Program, as well as President of the Northwest Indiana 
District Council of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of 
America.
  From his involvement in improving the school system in Hammond to his 
unwavering commitment to his fellow carpenters, Jim always has been a 
pillar of the Northwest Indiana community. Evidence of his devotion to 
his community was further demonstrated in his service as board chairman 
for the Millennium Project and his participation in several 
organizations, including: the Pirates, Lake Area United Way, Calumet 
Project for Industrial Jobs, Hammond Parks Foundation, and the Hammond 
Education Foundation.
  Jim's commitment to the community and his colleagues is matched only 
by his devotion to his family. Jim leaves to cherish his memory his 
wife, State Senator Linda Lawson; parents, Paul and Theresa Hornak; 
sister, Paula (David) Barancyk; and daughters, Heather Hornak, Jennifer 
(Jeff) Bacino, and Laura Wozniak. Jim's adoring grandchildren, Jake 
Hornak, Maya Strong, and Genavive Bacino, also will treasure the 
memories of their grandpa, as will many other family members, 
colleagues, and friends whose lives he has touched.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Mr. James Hornak for his outstanding 
devotion to his community. His dedication to his family, friends, 
colleagues, and to all students in Hammond, Indiana, is worthy of the 
highest admiration. Jim's selflessness, his commitment to improving 
educational opportunities for children and improving the workplace for 
his fellow union members, as well as his devotion to his family are an 
inspiration to us all, and he will sorely be missed.

                          ____________________