[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 21 (Monday, February 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS W. BIRMINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 9, 2015

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. 
LaMalfa to pay tribute to the life of Thomas ``Tom'' Birmingham, who 
passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 93. Tom was an 
extraordinary person, and he will always be remembered as a man who 
lived his life with purpose and great dedication to his students, 
family, friends and community.
  Tom was born on March 21, 1922 to Thomas and Nell Birmingham in Red 
Bluff, California. He spent much of his childhood living in various 
northern California towns, as his father's career as a Highway 
Patrolman required. It was while living with his family in Westwood, 
California that Tom developed many life-long friendships and his 
happiest childhood memories. He graduated from Clarksburg High School 
in Clarksburg, California, now called Delta High School, in 1940.
  World War II interrupted Tom's first attempt at attending college. He 
left school to join the United States Navy. In the Navy, Tom was 
assigned to Bombing Squadron Nineteen which flew off of the USS 
Lexington. Mr. Birmingham proudly served our country as an aviator, and 
was awarded an Air Medal and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his 
actions on October 25, 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Tom was 
extremely proud of his service and of the men with whom he served on 
board the Lexington.
  Mr. Birmingham continued his education after the War. He enrolled at 
San Jose State College and graduated in 1950. While at university, Tom 
competed in numerous track events including the high hurdle and the 
triple jump, known at the time as the ``hop, skip, jump.'' A talented, 
athletic individual, Mr. Birmingham garnered the reputation of a world 
class athlete. In addition to his skills on the track field, Tom was an 
avid skier, becoming one of the first instructors at the Mt. Shasta 
Herald Ski School.
  It was while Tom studied at San Jose State College that he met the 
love of his life, Lulu Archer. Tom and Lulu were married in 1951 and 
stayed in the bay area for another year while Tom completed his 
teaching credential. Lulu truly was Tom's one and only. Later the same 
year, Tom and Lulu moved to Yreka, California where they grew their 
family with the addition of three children, Kate, Thomas, and John.
  In Yreka, Mr. Birmingham accepted a teaching and coaching position at 
Yreka High School. As a teacher of art and history, Mr. Birmingham was 
able to motivate students and develop an excitement in them for 
learning and personal development. Additionally, coaching track and 
basketball allowed Tom to form lasting bonds with his students, many of 
whom he kept in contact throughout his life.
  Following a distinguished 31 years at Yreka High School, Mr. 
Birmingham retired in 1983. Upon his retirement, Tom and Lulu made it a 
priority to travel together. He also accepted the responsibility of 
taking care of his wife in the latter stages of her illness. Several 
years after her passing in 1987, Tom chose to relocate to Redding, 
California to be closer to family, specifically his beloved 
grandchildren. Throughout his life, his hobbies included hunting, 
fishing, and, in retirement, restoring old cars.
  Tom's friendliness and honest nature built many lasting friendships 
during his lifetime. His long and remarkable life is fondly remembered 
by colleagues, students, friends and family. Tom leaves behind his 
three children; Kate, Thomas, John, their spouses, and his 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join Mr. LaMalfa and me in saying farewell 
to a man from the greatest generation, Mr. Thomas W. Birmingham. His 
genuine character and his loving commitment to his family and community 
will be greatly missed.

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