[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES KAUFMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to tribute to the life of 
James Kaufman, who passed away on October 31, 2013 at the age of 71. As 
one of the founders of American Ambulance, Jim was a true supporter and 
advocate for our Central Valley. His kind heart and generosity will be 
greatly missed.
  Jim was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from 
Roosevelt High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard 
Reserves. He also worked part time at Jones Ambulance and attended 
Fresno City College. While Jim was working at Jones Ambulance, he met 
his wife, Joyce, and a year later they married in Carmel, California. 
Jim and Joyce raised one son together, Stan.
  One of Jim's greatest role models was his father, Martin. Martin was 
a teacher and coach, and Jim saw himself following in his father's 
footsteps. However, when Jim completed his 16 years of service in the 
Coast Guard, he decided to run his own ambulance business. In 1975, Jim 
and three other individuals founded American Ambulance. Jim and his 
partner, Larry Ward, remained as the owners of the company for almost 
four decades as American Ambulance grew into a successful business with 
approximately 600 employees.
  Jim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a new business, KY 
Farming, with his good friend, Tony Yasuda. They grew cherries and 
blueberries, and they also managed a packing house, KY Packing. Jim's 
businesses brought him great joy. He cherished his employees and always 
did what he could to help, whether it was through financial support, 
guidance, or simply heartfelt encouragement.
  Aside from his work, Jim loved the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed 
tennis, golf, and dove hunting. Spending time with family was most 
important to Jim. He will be greatly missed by Joyce, Stan, his 
daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and his grandchildren; Abel, Lilly, Evan, 
and Faith.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of James Kaufman. 
His presence will be missed, but his legacy will surely live on in the 
Central Valley.

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