[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 4, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING WALTER J. ``JIMMIE'' FEW

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, we often note in our record the 
passing of government and business leaders of renown, and that is 
appropriate. But it is also fitting to pause to reflect on some of 
those millions of American citizens who reflect in their lives the 
highest and best ideals of their faith and of America.
  Jimmie Few of Mobile, AL, was one such person. I first got to know 
him when, in 1991, we took part in a mission to Russia as part of a 
United Methodist Church delegation. This was shortly after the fall of 
communism. We spent over a week in the small city of Vyksa, 5 hours 
east of Moscow. We roomed together in the home of a Russian family. 
This was the first chance the people of Vyksa had to actually meet and 
get to know Americans. Frequently, one of the Russians would, with 
surprise, say, ``You look just like us!''
  Jimmie was a very large man and naturally took charge. When an 
agreement was concluded, Jimmie would seal it with a firm--very firm--
handshake. He loved the Russians. Indeed, after this he made some 19 
more trips, assisting with orphanages, schools, and Bible schools as 
well as advising Russians on economic matters. Jimmie was a very 
experienced small businessman. He bought an orphanage a needed van on 
one occasion and fixed a road to the orphanage in another.
  This kind of humanitarian, religious mission is not unusual for 
Americans. Thousands of such trips are occurring now involving hundreds 
of thousands of Americans who make trips to meet with millions around 
the globe. They don't focus on the rich and powerful; they focus on 
those in need, the poor and the children. No nation in the history of 
the world has ever matched such selfless giving. It reflects well on 
the United States, surely creating greater understanding among peoples, 
and it is in harmony, certainly, with the spirit of Jesus, which has 
inspired so many.
  While Jimmy's business success and health suffered in recent years, 
his good life of service to his Lord and to others exemplifies the best 
in humanity.

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