[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MR. JIM STEMMLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 16, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure 
that I stand before you today, with my colleague Congressman Joe 
Donnelly, to recognize the many accomplishments of Mr. Jim Stemmler. I 
have known Jim for many years, and he is one of the most involved 
citizens I have ever known, especially when it comes to his service to 
the IronWorkers Local 395. Jim has been a member of the IronWorkers 
Local 395 for an astounding 35 years, and his contributions to the 
organization are immeasurable. Although Jim has been a constant fixture 
within the organization, he will be retiring from the Local 395 at 
year's end. For his efforts and many contributions to the union, Jim 
will be honored at a retirement celebration on Saturday, April 19, 
2008, at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville, Indiana.
  Jim Stemmler was born in Hegwisch, Illinois, on December 30, 1947. He 
lived there until he joined the Army, in which he served during the 
Vietnam conflict. Following his return from Vietnam in 1973, he began 
his apprenticeship and became a member of the IronWorkers Local 395. 
Jim's service as an elected member of the union began with the position 
of Trustee. His dedication to the union and its members continued as he 
was elected Recording Secretary, and later as he served as president of 
the IronWorkers Local 395. With Jim's commitment to serve, it is only 
fitting that Jim was elected the first-ever business manager of Local 
395.
  Aside from his elected service to the Local 395, Jim also served on 
several Local 395 boards, including the joint apprenticeship committee 
and the health and welfare board. The respect and trust of the union's 
members for Jim is apparent in his appointment as the chairman of the 
board of trustees for Mid-America Pension Plan and to the supplemental 
monthly annuity fund board. Jim is also currently the President of the 
LaPorte, Starke, and Pulaski Building and Construction Trades Council 
and holds several politically appointed positions throughout the State 
of Indiana.
  When not engaged with the union, Jim spends his spare time with those 
closest to him, his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, 
Jim's commitment to the union and its members is surpassed only by his 
dedication to his family. Jim and his wife, Sandy, have shared many 
wonderful years together.
  Madam Speaker, Jim Stemmler has given his time and efforts selflessly 
to the members of the IronWorkers Local 395 for the past 35 years. As a 
friend to Congressman Donnelly and myself, his fellow members, and the 
larger community, I commend his work throughout northern Indiana. At 
this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join 
me in commending him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

                          ____________________