[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 132 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1828-E1829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING JAMES I. HARRISON JR. ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE ALABAMA 
                            ACADEMY OF HONOR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise to honor James I. Harrison Jr., on the occasion of his induction 
into the Alabama Academy of Honor.
  Jimmy Harrison is one of the most influential men in the drug store 
business not only in Alabama but throughout the United States. He was a 
star on both the basketball court and on the baseball field at the 
University of Alabama, but he is an even better businessman and 
pharmacist. His success in the board room is only exceeded by his 
generosity and charitable spirit. His lifetime of service to his 
community and support of education have added in an immeasurable way to 
the well-being of our state.
  Created in 1965, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created to 
recognize living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service that 
greatly benefits or reflects credit on the state of Alabama. Ten 
members may be elected annually by the Academy of Honor with no greater 
than 100 living members at a time.
  Madam Speaker, the following tribute was presented to James I. 
Harrison at his ceremony of induction into the Academy in 2007. With 
your permission, I would like to add this tribute to the Congressional 
Record.

                         James I. Harrison Jr.

       James I. Harrison, Jr., was born in Tuscaloosa on July 11, 
     1932. He attended St. John's Parochial School in Tuscaloosa 
     and was one of the four graduates of the school's last

[[Page E1829]]

     class in 1949. After a post-graduate year at Chattanooga's 
     Baylor School, he entered the University of Alabama where he 
     played basketball and baseball. After two years, he 
     transferred to Howard College (now Samford University) and 
     graduated with honors from the School of Pharmacy.
       His parents had purchased Central Drug Store in downtown 
     Tuscaloosa and turned it into a success. When Harrison 
     graduated from college, his father purchased another 
     struggling drug store near the University of Alabama. Druid 
     Drug became successful and famous as the favorite coffee 
     hangout of Coach Bear Bryant and his staff. Three more 
     Tuscaloosa stores were added over the next several years. In 
     1967, Harco, Inc., was founded. Harco, Inc., would 
     eventually operate 153 Harco Drug stores, 55 Carport Auto 
     Parts stores, and 7 Harco Totalcare (home healthcare) 
     stores. The company was sold in 1997 to Rite Aid.
       During Harrison's years as CEO of Harco, he served as 
     chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, 
     Affiliated Drug Stores, and the Southern Drug Store 
     Association. Harco and Harrison received many national 
     business and pharmacy industry honors and awards.
       Harrison's charitable spirit and support of education have 
     dynamically impacted his community and state. He established 
     the James I. Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University; 
     the Harrison Center for Academic Excellence, Judson College; 
     the James I. Harrison Family Endowed Teaching Excellence 
     Faculty Fellow, University of Alabama; and the Caritas 
     Community Service Award, University of Alabama. Harrison is a 
     member and past chairman of the UA President's Cabinet. He is 
     a founding member of Success by Six Educational Initiative in 
     Tuscaloosa County; a founding member and first president of 
     the Alexis de Tocqueville Society chapter supporting United 
     Way of West Alabama; and a member of the Mayor's Pre-K 
     Advisory Board, Tuscaloosa. He is a patron to Children's 
     Hands-on Museum and to the UA Rural Infant Stimulation 
     Environmental Center.
       He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Alabama 
     and Judson College, is in several business and civic halls of 
     fame, and serves on many corporate and civic boards. Harrison 
     and his wife, Peggy, have five children and fifteen 
     grandchildren.

  Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to James I. 
Harrison, Jr. for his many personal and professional achievements and 
offer a heartfelt ``thank you'' for a job well done. I know his wife, 
Peggy, his family, and many friends join with me in praising his 
accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the 
years for the State of Alabama.

                          ____________________