[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1645-E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFETIME ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. JAMES S. WHITFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James S. 
Whitfield, a dedicated community leader and World War II veteran. On 
Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Jim passed away, after an incredible life of 
service to our country.
  Mr. Whitfield, of Independence, Missouri, served as a Commissioner 
for The United States World War One Centennial Commission as a 
representative of The American Legion. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he 
served in World War II, traveling the Far Pacific, North Atlantic, 
Indian oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea aboard the same ship for 33 
months to transport troops across the globe.
  The appointment to the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was 
personal to Jim. As a child, he became acquainted with many World War I 
veterans while delivering milk to them from his father's dairy. 
Fascinated by their world travels and dedication to our country, they 
inspired him to enlist when World War II broke out. In 1943, he went to 
boot camp in Idaho after fulfilling a promise to his parents to finish 
high school first.
  The same veterans that motivated him to join the Navy, elected 
Whitfield to serve as their post commander in The American Legion. That 
was the start of a very long career of service to veterans of both 
Missouri and across the country. He became a member of the Legion in 
1946 and assumed many distinguished leadership positions, including 
Executive Director of the National Headquarters in Indianapolis, 
Indiana. Jim was a Life Member of The American Legion, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars in the United States, and BPO Elks, all of Warrensburg, 
Missouri. As an honorary lifetime commander of the Missouri American 
Legion, Whitfield shares a distinction with only three others, 
including President Harry S. Truman.
  Jim was also very active in Missouri Boys State, and received an 
honorary award from them for over 50 years of leadership and is 
regarded as having the most prolific service record in the program. 
Along with his service to the American Legion and Boys State, Whitfield 
served as Chairman of the Missouri Veterans Commission. During his 
tenure as the first chairman, the state established seven veteran's 
homes and a veteran's cemetery system. He served on that commission for 
10 years helping establish its influence and direction. He was also a 
longtime supporter of the Liberty Memorial, dedicated in Kansas City in 
1926 as a monument to those who served in World War I. I recall 
visiting with Jim at a recent Memorial Day ceremony, hosted at the 
National World War I Museum and Memorial, about our shared interest in 
honoring those who served our country.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me and our colleagues in honoring the 
lifetime accomplishments of Mr. James Whitfield. He served our country 
while in uniform and for the remainder of years following, helping 
veterans and future generations alike. I appreciated his friendship and 
unwavering service. He epitomized America's Greatest Generation.

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