[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 34 (Monday, March 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E261-E262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORIAM OF REVEREND WILLIAM M. JAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 11, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with great sorrow to announce 
the death of a Harlem legend, Reverend William M. James. Revered James 
was considered by many the benevolent ``Patron Saint'' and Spiritual 
Crusader of Harlem. He passed away late last month at the age of 97. 
Over his time in the ministry, he dedicated more than 60 years of his 
life to improving the lives of the people of Harlem.
  As a man of God, Reverend James spread the message of God, love, and 
peace throughout Harlem. For those who had the privilege of

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meeting him or knowing him personally, he touched the lives of every 
single person in his presence. Reverend James' passion was spreading 
the word of God, and teaching the people in Harlem to embrace and love 
the Lord and Jesus. His exuberance for his job was infectious and 
affected everyone around him.
  Harlem has come a long way over the years, and we have seen a huge 
amount of revitalization in my District. I know that a lot of this can 
be contributed to the work of Reverend James. He was a strong advocate 
of educational advancement. The Reverend saw education as a way to 
create an equal playing field for everyone, giving the underprivileged 
the opportunity to achieve success and the American Dream.
  Reverend James was a well-connected man, but never used his 
connections for personal gain. Instead, through his close relationship 
to lawmakers, such as myself, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Mayor Dave 
Dinkins, Reverend James was able to fight for the people of Harlem with 
others whose only goal in life is to improve the lives of all New 
Yorkers.
  Education wasn't the only thing that Reverend James fought for during 
his life. He was also a huge supporter of the Arts. Reverend James 
dedicated a great deal of time to preserving the world famous Harlem 
landmark, the Apollo Theater. He considered it an important link for 
future generations to Harlem's important musical past. Reverend James 
also was the Chairperson of the Harlem Urban Development Corporation 
that works to develop economic and industrial opportunities in order to 
create positive growth and change in Harlem.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
and the New York Congressional Delegation in paying tribute to Harlem's 
beloved Reverend. Reverend William James guided the people of Harlem 
with compassion and tenderness. His spirituality and faith in God 
guided him throughout his life's quest to enhance the lives of the 
underprivileged. He will be forever missed all the people of Harlem and 
by everyone who's life he touched.

                          ____________________