[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 136 (Friday, October 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING TIMOTHY Z. JENNINGS

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                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2013

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to 
honor former New Mexico State Senator Timothy Z. Jennings, who is being 
recognized with the prestigious Heritage Award by the Historical 
Society of Southeast New Mexico. A lifelong resident of Roswell, few 
have done more for their community and the entire state than Timothy Z. 
Jennings.
  The Society is holding its 32nd Anniversary Heritage Dinner on 
October 8 in Roswell to celebrate the rich history of Southeast New 
Mexico. Each year, the Society, which dates back to 1907, honors a 
member of the community with the Heritage Award. This year's award will 
be presented to Timothy Z. Jennings in recognition of his many years of 
dedicated service to the community and the State of New Mexico.
  Timothy Z. Jennings, the son of James T. and Francis Jennings, was 
born, raised and still lives in Roswell. His father, James, was a 
prominent local attorney and his mother, Francis, is a longtime member 
of the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico. He graduated from 
New Mexico Military Institute, earned a bachelor's degree in business 
administration from Creighton University in Nebraska and took courses 
in agriculture at New Mexico State University. He continues to operate 
a sheep ranch outside of Roswell.
  Timothy Z. Jennings was first elected to the Chaves County Commission 
in 1975. After serving for four years, he was elected to the New Mexico 
Senate, where he represented his constituents with distinction for 33 
years, becoming the second-longest-serving member in history. He served 
in several leadership posts, including Majority and Minority Whip, 
Majority Floor Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore. He was 
respected as a bipartisan leader and a champion for persons with 
developmental disabilities.
  Timothy Z. Jennings and his late wife, Patty, were passionate 
supporters of cancer research and strong advocates for cancer patients 
and their families. He continues that passion in memory of Patty.
  For his efforts on behalf of New Mexicans, Timothy Z. Jennings 
received the Outstanding Leadership Award from New Mexico State 
University, the Friend of the Profession award from the New Mexico 
Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Soaring Eagle Award from 
the New Mexico Association of Counties, honorary membership from the 
New Mexico Medical Society, and was honored for his commitment and 
support in the battle against cancer from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering 
Cancer Center, in addition to numerous other awards.
  After leaving the Legislature, Timothy Z. Jennings was appointed to a 
prestigious position on the New Mexico State Investment Council. He has 
also kept busy on the ranch, serving as fire chief for the volunteer 
fire department near his home and spending time with his children: 
Katherine and husband Josh Stewart, Elliot Ikard and wife Melanie, 
Courtney Ikard, Zeph Jennings, Zach Jennings and grandson Keegan Ikard.

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