[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES A. WELDON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to pay 
tribute to my good friend, Mr. James (Jim) A. Weldon, who sadly passed 
away on May 13, 2015.
  Jim lived a life full of honor and compassion. He joined the U.S. 
Navy in 1953 and proudly served his country for six years. After his 
time in the Navy, he joined his family in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 
where he began a career in the electrical industry and trained as an 
electrician. Jim went on to become a labor leader, following in the 
footsteps of his father, who had belonged to a painters union. For 38 
years, Jim served as the leader of the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers Local Union 728, where he fought tirelessly for the 
rights of all workers, including for the right to earn a livable wage.
  After 38 years leading Local Union 728, Jim retired. Of course, like 
so many people, we know how dedicated he was to the cause of helping 
others, Jim was not able to entirely retire from work that most 
assuredly filled his soul and his life with meaning. Therefore, in his 
retirement, he became the Vice President of the Florida Chapter of the 
Alliance for Retired Americans, where he continued to advocate for 
those who were in need of a voice. In addition to these immeasurable 
contributions to his community, Jim was also very proud to be listed on 
the honor roll of the Irish Cultural Institute of Florida and the Board 
of the Ft. Lauderdale Emerald Society. He also served his community as 
a Port Everglades Commissioner.
  Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Jim's wife Gisela, as 
well as his two daughters, Kimberly and Kelly. I know that they are 
hurting, but I hope that they receive some comfort in knowing that 
their community grieves with them, as we all celebrate the life of a 
compassionate and dedicated man, Jim Weldon.

                          ____________________