[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR JIM KLONOSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Madam Speaker, James Richard Klonoski died on January 
30, 2009, at the age of 83. It is impossible to summarize his life in a 
few words, but I offer this tribute.
  Jim was a man of sound convictions who valued and respected opposing 
views. He was keenly interested and engaged in politics. He was a 
teacher who invited his students to explore the world and challenged 
them to think. He understood that good teaching is full of ideas and 
committed himself to 40 years of excellence at the University of 
Oregon. He was a generous mentor and a leader who helped shape Oregon 
politics and politicians.
  Jim Klonoski believed in the future. A host of public officials in 
Oregon will tell you they were inspired by Professor Klonoski to hope 
for and to work like hell for change. His son, Jake, noted the historic 
inauguration of President Barack Obama was a joyous family celebration 
of his father's unshakable faith in a better future.
  Jim Klonoski's family was the center of his universe. His life was 
infused with love and admiration for his wife and children. His 
students were frequently amused and sometimes amazed by stories about 
the children. He was equally devoted to his wife of 30 years, Ann 
Aiken, and Judge Aiken was a frequent guest in his political science 
classes.
  No tribute to Jim is complete without mention of baseball. He was a 
fan and a fanatic. Legions of local baseball families remember Jim as a 
fixture at his sons' games, and area umpires no doubt recall the many 
tips he offered them in hopes of improving their officiating skills.
  There is a Japanese proverb that says ``Better than a thousand days 
of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.'' All of us 
privileged to have had our day with Jim Klonoski are grieving his 
unexpected death.

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