[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        TRIBUTE TO JIM BALAMACI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memorial to an 
Alaskan who dedicated his life to the athletes, families, and Special 
Olympics Alaska. On February 1, 2018, Alaska lost a one-of-a-kind 
person, Mr. Jim Balamaci.
  Many executive directors and presidents of non-profit organizations 
do a lot of good work. They encourage others to provide financial 
support to their cause, uplift the recipients of their work, and 
contribute greatly to their communities. Jim however, was much more 
than just another head of a non-profit organization who did good work 
for the cause. Jim lived, breathed, and was Special Olympics Alaska. 
His beloved organization was everything to him, and he fostered an 
infectious feeling in others to conduct themselves with the same faith, 
loyalty, and honest approach as he had. Mr. Speaker, I have a hard time 
knowing that Special Olympics and Alaska have lost this great man. Jim 
Balamaci ``is'' Special Olympics Alaska and it will never been the same 
without him.
  Jim absolutely loved his colleagues and those he served. His presence 
was a blessing. The best part is that they loved and respected him even 
more in return.
  Aside from talking to Jim on a regular basis about a wide variety of 
topics, I had the distinct pleasure of golfing with him every year to 
benefit Special Olympics Alaska. For eight to ten hours (depending on 
how I played), I had the rare fortune of being able to admire Jim's 
passion for ``his'' athletes. During that time, Jim allowed me to bask 
in his world where everything was righteous, good, and just plain fun 
despite any challenges.
  It's nice to hear about people's memories and friendship with Jim. 
I'm proud to call Jim my dear friend too. As you know, it is extremely 
difficult for a Member of Congress to call someone a true friend. Jim 
embodied the word. He comforted me when my dear wife Lu died, he gave 
me advice to help my grandson, and I could always count on him to be 
there for me and my family.
  Mr. Speaker, the sudden loss of Jim was like a hard punch by Mike 
Tyson to my gut. His loss hurts all of us. I take comfort in knowing 
that the Lord called Jim home because he needed another great soul in 
heaven to help him counter everything that is bad.
  To all of the athletes, coaches, family members, sponsors, 
volunteers, staff, the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Alaska, 
and to Jim's family--I share your grief and your loss today as we 
remember Jim. I do take comfort in Jim's legacy, his friendship, and 
the privilege of knowing a truly great man for he has not left us 
behind but walks beside us now. Thank God for Jim.

                          ____________________