[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 113 (Thursday, July 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF JIMMIE RUTH COOLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2012

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
birthday of a dear friend and a true East Texas treasure, Jimmie Ruth 
Cooley. She is a shining example of hard work and the success that 
follows.
  A three term mayor of her beloved Woodville, Jimmie has been a 
tireless, enthusiastic advocate for her community, for Tyler County, 
for East Texas and in fact the Lone Star State where she has left her 
mark as well.
  When it comes to accomplishing tasks and overcoming hurdles--Jimmie 
has got it covered. One of her dear friends, Mary Jane Neal, summed it 
up best, saying ``She likes to get things done''.
  And she has. Over the years Mayor Cooley has served as a board member 
and a leader in the Deep East Texas Council of Government; Three Rivers 
Council of Boy Scouts of America; Woodville Independent School District 
Compass Arts; Tyler County Art League; and Tyler County Hospital 
Foundation. She's worked tirelessly as president of the Tyler County 
Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the Texas Office of Community 
Affairs Task Force and Deep Texas Regional Review Committee.
  Longtime Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed Jimmie to serve on the 
board of the Lower Neches Valley Authority, where she has talked water 
with me countless times because she knows how important our lakes and 
rivers are to our communities in East Texas. And yes, she has a 
professional career as well--she is a graduate of the American 
Institute of Real Estate and now a retired real estate agent.
  ``Yes, Mayor, I'll get on it'' are how most of my conversations with 
Jimmie end. She is a close advisor, confidant, and most of all a true 
friend. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, Jimmie is a keen 
observer of the people she serves and of the community in which she 
lives. I want America to know about this tireless champion of East 
Texas who gives back more than could ever be asked of her.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to wish Jimmie Ruth Cooley 
a very Happy 80th Birthday and many more years of happiness to come.

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