[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAKE GODBOLD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Rutherford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
Mayor Jake Godbold, who served the city of Jacksonville from 1978 to 
1987 and, sadly, passed away last week.
  Mayor Godbold, or simply ``Jake,'' as we all called him, was a man of 
the highest integrity whose contributions to northeast Florida are 
seemingly infinite.
  One thing I will always remember about Jake was that when he spoke to 
you, he made you feel as though you were the only person in the room. I 
recall fondly my first interaction with the Mayor occurred actually 
when I was a young patrolman on the north side of Jacksonville. And as 
an officer, I soon learned every time the Mayor saw a police officer or 
a firefighter, he would stop whatever he was doing and would take the 
time to speak with that officer or that firefighter.
  Jake loved our policemen, our firemen, and our city, and they all 
loved him back. He will be dearly missed.


            Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert Shircliff

  Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Mr. Robert Shircliff of Jacksonville.
  Bob lived his Christian faith and was well-known for his giving and 
loving character. His extraordinary contributions and service to our 
country and local community are truly legendary. Deeply beloved by the 
people of Jacksonville, Mr. Shircliff passed away last week at the age 
of 91.
  He served on the boards of numerous civic groups, such as the 
Community Foundation and led countless efforts to support institutions 
like St. Vincent's HealthCare, the Jacksonville Symphony, United Way, 
and the Cummer Art Museum, just to name a few.
  Despite his success, he remained humble and grateful to those around 
him. He once said, ``I've tried coming into the office on Saturdays and 
changing the world, and I can't do it. But if I come in on Monday, and 
I'm surrounded by really good people, anything can happen.''
  On behalf of the Fourth District of Florida, I want to offer my 
condolences to the many friends and loved ones of Mr. Shircliff. His 
service, generosity, and leadership has made northeast Florida a better 
place to live, work, and play.
  And since Bob's arrival, heaven is truly a better place.

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