[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 162 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND WESLEY A. JAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and 
memory of a remarkable civic leader who was recently called from us. 
The Rev. Wesley A. James never held an elected political office, yet 
his influence over his beloved Mobile, Alabama surpassed many who have.
  A native of Mobile and a 1970 graduate of Central High School, Rev. 
James continued on to the University of South Alabama where he earned a 
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. In 1979 he 
graduated from Virginia Union University School of Theology where he 
received a Master of Divinity Degree. He was also active on campus as 
president of the student body, director of resident life, and an 
instructor of freshman orientation.
  In 1981 he graduated number one in his class from Southwest Police 
Academy located at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, 
Alabama. From 1990 to 1995, he was a fellow at Boston University School 
of Public Health. And, in 1997 he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree, 
with emphasis on community development from Virginia Union University 
School of Theology.
  Rev. James took the helm of Franklin Street Missionary Baptist Church 
in Mobile in 1988, leading the church's ministry until his untimely 
passing last month. While his role as pastor and spiritual guide for 
his flock was central to his life's calling, Rev. James took an equally 
active role in his community where he served on a wide variety of 
boards and coalitions.
  He was both past chairman and member of the board of the Mobile Water 
& Sewer Service. He served on the MWSS for twenty years, overseeing a 
seventy million dollar budget. He also served three years on The Mobile 
Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
  Leaning on his law enforcement and pastoral backgrounds, Rev. James 
was both an active member of the National Board of Directors of the 
Community Coalition For A Drug Free America and a founding member of 
the Coalition for A Drug Free Mobile County.
  He was also moderator of the Mobile Baptist Sunlight Association 
where he oversaw programs for 87 Baptist churches in Mobile and 
Washington Counties.
  Rev. James was noted for his unbending devotion to local schools and 
his ability to reach across the community to bring together different 
views for the common good.
  His love of Mobile and its patchwork of communities no doubt inspired 
his dedication to serve the people on so many different levels.
  Madam Speaker, we all mourn the loss of Rev. James and on behalf of 
the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my condolences to his 
wonderful wife, Gwendolyn, their children, Sophia, Wesley, Abron, and 
their extended personal and church family for their loss. You are all 
in our thoughts and prayers.

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