[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E368-E369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JAMES ALAN JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, my college 
debate coach, and my mentor, James Alan Johnson--known to everyone as 
``Al''--who passed away in late December of last year. Al Johnson's 
life began in the little farming town of Swink, Colorado, on July 6, 
1930. He attended school in nearby La Junta, and when he was old enough 
he joined the United States Navy and fought in the Korean War. After 
the war, he earned his bachelor's degree from Colorado College (CC), 
and went on to receive a Masters in economics from Stanford University.
  He returned to his undergraduate alma mater to spend his career, and 
became a beloved figure on CC's campus. Respected by his colleagues and 
admired by his students, Al's career spanned many decades, where he was 
a professor of economics, the college's debate coach, and the college 
Registrar. As Registrar, he guided the college towards excellence. It 
was under his leadership that CC's unique approach towards higher 
education--the Block Plan--became a reality. Because of this visionary 
plan of study, Colorado College students have the opportunity to focus 
on one class at a time. Al's steady hand as Registrar made the vision 
of the Block Plan a reality; one that continues to challenge students 
today.
  As CC's debate coach, Al inspired generations of debaters. He 
expected nothing less than our best at all times. He urged us to be 
scholar-debaters, not just debaters; driving us to research a topic 
thoroughly, yet honestly, looking at the matter from all sides. All 
these years later, I remember how Al would repeat anything that was 
particularly important three times. As I now spend my days giving 
speeches designed to influence and inform, that guidance continues to 
resonate with me--to repeat that which is important as you make your 
argument.
  Al's commitment to debate ran beyond just our classroom. He held the 
positions of president and treasurer of the National Collegiate Debate 
Association, and organized the National Parliamentary Debate 
Association and various international tournaments. Even in his

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retirement, Al continued his active involvement with the debate 
community, urging the national associations to keep the activity 
relevant to the training of future generations of leaders.
  Throughout his life, Al loved to travel, and in fact, he and his 
brother Bill visited all 50 states, six continents and 50 different 
countries. In recent years, Al and Bill made regular trips to 
Washington, DC to visit their late sister, Shirley, and he always 
called me when he was in town. A lifelong Coloradan, Al was a scholar 
of Colorado state history, as well as American and world history, and 
frequently gave speeches on history in El Paso County and in Denver.
  Al was beloved by his many former students and colleagues. During his 
final illness, the outpouring of love and support from his friends 
helped ease his days. Al received visits, phone calls, cards, and 
emails from around the world. A true mark of his influence was how the 
community rallied around him. I had the honor of seeing Al just a few 
weeks before his death, and will forever be glad that I had one more 
opportunity to hear his wisdom.
  Al Johnson was a scholar, a teacher, a mentor and a friend to 
countless students and colleagues throughout his life. His passing is a 
great loss for Colorado College, for the state of Colorado, and a 
personal loss for me and all who loved him. He will be sorely missed, 
but I know his legacy of excellence will endure.

                          ____________________