[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      A TRIBUTE TO JIMMY DEE CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
recognize Jimmy Dee Clark for his dedication to the 19th Congressional 
District of Texas. Jimmy retires this month after 23 years of 
continuous service to the district.
  Born to Leeman and Frances Clark on December 12, 1945, Jimmy was 
raised on a farm in Acuff, Texas. He graduated from Roosevelt High 
School in 1964 and just two years later, he married his childhood 
sweetheart, Rita Dunagan. After 20 years of running his family farm, 
Jimmy began an additional career in public service.
  In 1986, my predecessor in Congress, Larry Combest, hired Jimmy as a 
district representative. As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee 
in the 106th and 107th Congresses, Mr. Combest greatly shaped farm 
policy in this country, and Jimmy brought indispensable insight as a 
liaison between the fanners and ranchers of the 19th District and their 
representative. Jimmy was instrumental in helping Chairman Combest 
shepherd the 2002 Farm Bill through Congress.
  Following Chairman Combest's retirement in 2003, Jimmy came to work 
for me as my District Director and Deputy Chief of Staff. Jimmy's 
experience and counsel have made him an invaluable asset to my staff. 
Most notable, however, is Jimmy's ability to relate to his fellow 
farmers in West Texas and to help ensure I understand their business, 
their concerns and their role in District 19's economy. Again, Jimmy's 
guidance and his role as the voice of the farmers of my district were 
essential in helping me during the 2008 Farm Bill.
  Jimmy is also a strong Christian and family man. He and Rita have two 
daughters, Jill and Randee, and five grandchildren: Caden, Kacie, Josh, 
Steffanie, and Gabbie, that I know he will now get to spend more time 
with. A 32nd degree Mason, Jimmy's public service has reached more than 
just the farmers in West Texas. He has served as a past member and 
Commander of the Lubbock County Sheriff's Reserve. A licensed pilot, 
Jimmy's hobbies include flying and home remodeling.
  I am enormously appreciative to Jimmy for his hard work and for his 
contributions to improving the course of agriculture policy in the 
United States and in West Texas. More important, I am proud to count 
him as a friend. Those in District 19, including myself, thank him for 
a job well-done and extend to him our best wishes for his 
retirement.retirement.

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