[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JODIE MAHONY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 8, 2009

  Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Joseph 
``Jodie'' Mahony II of El Dorado, Arkansas, who passed away on 
Saturday, December 5, 2009, at the age of 70. Having served 36 years in 
the Arkansas state legislature, Jodie was a legend in Arkansas 
government and politics and his presence will be deeply missed.
  Jodie committed his life to making Arkansas a better place to get an 
education, to live and to work. He was first elected to the Arkansas 
House of Representatives in 1970 and served 24 years before winning a 
Senate seat in 1994. In 2002, after two 4-year terms, when newly 
adopted term limits kept him from seeking re-election as senator, he 
ran for the House again, where he was still eligible to serve two more 
2-year terms.
  Jodie retired officially from elected office in 2006, but his 
presence remained at the State Capitol where he served as a part-time 
aide to the House Speaker during the 2007 legislative session. 
Throughout his career, Jodie filed 1,429 bills, with much of his 
efforts focused on public and higher education, the developmentally 
disabled, child support enforcement and natural resources conservation.
  In addition to Jodie's public service, he and his family have played 
an influential role in the state's legal history. The grandson and son 
of lawyers, Jodie followed in his family's footsteps to become a 
lawyer, and today, in its 113th year, the Mahony law firm is the oldest 
operating law firm in the State of Arkansas. Jodie also served in the 
U.S. Marine Corps in active duty and the reserves.
  Our State is better for Jodie's service to it and its people. I never 
thought of Jodie as a politician, but rather as a statesman. He had the 
respect of every legislator for his knowledge, fairness and commitment 
to our great State. I had the privilege of serving with Jodie during my 
time in the Arkansas state legislature from 1991 through 2000 and he 
was a friend, a role model and someone I trusted for sincere advice and 
counsel.
  My thoughts and prayers and those of every Arkansan are with Jodie's 
family during this difficult time, especially to his wife, Bettie Anne; 
his two sons, Joseph K. Mahony III and Michael Emon Mahony; and three 
grandchildren, Jordan, Alexandra and Joseph K. Mahony IV.
  Jodie will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Although he is no 
longer with us, Jodie's many contributions to improving our state will 
continue on forever, serving as a reminder of his hard work and many 
good deeds throughout an accomplished legislative career and life.

                          ____________________