[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 146 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    J.C. BURNHAM--TEXAN TO THE BONE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend, JC Burnham of Liberty, Texas. A fine businessman, rancher, 
husband, father, friend and devoted family man, who spent his entire 
life serving his community while striving to make others happy. The 
City of Liberty and, indeed, the entire state of Texas lost a dedicated 
community leader, as well as friend, on October 30, 2012.
  JC was born December 15, 1937, in Houston, Texas. He was truly a 
remarkable Texan who achieved extraordinary things in his career and 
for his community. Hard work and love of his community earned him 
enduring respect amongst the many touched by his deeds. It is an honor 
to recognize the great contributions that JC made to the city of 
Liberty, Liberty County, and the great State of Texas.
  As a child, JC began his working life at Stubbs Grocery Store. In 
high school he was both a good student and athlete. He went on to 
attend College at my alma mater, the University of Houston. After 
graduation, JC got his foot in the door in the auto industry by working 
in the mailroom at General Motors. Through JC's hard work and 
dedication he held eleven different positions within General Motors, 
eventually owning his own dealership.
  In 1973, he purchased Mearns Chevrolet in Liberty, Texas, a close-
knit city near Houston. For over 30 years, his family owned business, 
thrived. He even added an Oldsmobile-Cadillac and a Buick-Pontiac-GMC 
store. JC was a man of true character and a Liberty resident for over 
39 years, his Texas spirit and love of the community made him a natural 
promoter of Liberty, Texas.
  Not only was JC a dedicated businessman, he also had a long career in 
public service. Throughout the years, he assisted and was recognized by 
numerous boards and organizations. He was a past board member of the 
Magnolia Ridge Country Club, Texas 4H Youth Development Foundation, 
Liberty Dayton Hospital, Liberty County Central Appraisal District and 
the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency.
  Always understanding the importance of education and our nation's 
youth, JC was a life time supporter of the Houston Livestock Show and 
Rodeo, Trinity Valley Exposition and 4H Alumni Association. He served 
and supported the Liberty-Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Liberty Rotary 
Club, 100 Club, Liberty Elks Club, Liberty County Texas Farm Bureau, 
Texas Thoroughbred Association and Southwest Cattle Raisers 
Association. He started the Burnham Classic Golf Tournament which 
donated over $450,000 for South Liberty State Center/Tri-County 
Services. The list of this model citizen's accomplishments will have 
lasting effects on the city of Liberty and surrounding areas. It is my 
hope that he will be remembered as a true visionary and strong 
community supporter, and that others will follow his lead.
  My thoughts are with the love of JC's life, Kathleen--his wife of 21 
years. They shared the same passion for their community, their farm and 
their love of slow race horses. Last spring, I visited JC at St. Luke's 
in Houston and I observed Kathleen in the caretaker role as she poured 
out her love, spirit and fight for JC. The passing of JC has left a son 
and daughter in mourning of their father--Bruce Burnham and Cyrese 
Jezek. His memory will live on, in the many lives he touched along the 
way.
  On the evening of November 4, 2012, hundreds of Liberty, Texas 
residents waited in line at the First United Methodist Church of 
Liberty to pay their respects to the family of this honorable man. JC 
was a loyal friend to me, and although I am saddened by his loss, I 
feel very fortunate for the time and friendship we shared. He will be 
remembered by many as a devoted community leader, a genuine friend and 
a great Texan.
  And that's just the way it is.

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