[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 158 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF JACK WOOLF

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. 
Cox to honor the life of a great farmer, veteran and San Joaquin Valley 
native, Jack Woolf, who passed away on July 28, 2020 at the age of 102. 
Jack was a pioneering farmer who transformed the west side of 
California's San Joaquin Valley into an agricultural oasis.
  Jack was born on Sept. 6, 1917, along with his identical twin, 
Leyton, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Growing up, he enjoyed helping his 
family at their small dairy farm. After graduating from Peoria High 
School in 1935, he and his twin moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in 
Woodbury Business College. They obtained their business degrees in two 
years and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
  After college, Jack worked as a cotton merchandiser, but due to 
escalating tensions in Europe, Jack registered for the draft in early 
spring 1941. He joined the Army and rose to the rank as Captain. As a 
member of the 204th Anti-Aircraft Battalion, he landed on Omaha Beach 
as part of the D-Day Normandy Invasion of Europe. He received seven 
battle stars. He was discharged as a Major in December 1945.
  After a career of military service, he returned to his old job at 
Anderson Clayton. In 1957, he traveled to Mendota. Calif. to meet with 
a landowner, Russell Giffen who sold his farming operation to Anderson 
Clayton. This created a 30 plus year relationship that led to creating 
one of California's largest and most successful farming operation, 
Giffen Inc.
  In 1949, Jack met his soul mate, Bernice. A few months after they 
met, they decided to get married and formed a beautiful family. In 
1974, Giffen retired from the farming business and asked Jack to sell 
all the assets. Instead. Jack decided to start his own operation, Woolf 
Farming Co. of California.
  Jack proved to be a leader and successful entrepreneur. His business 
grew successfully because of vision. loyalty. and passion. His military 
training and strong character were ingrained into who he was as a 
businessman and member of the community.
  Jack was a member of several boards and organizations including The 
National Cotton Council. Valley Public Television, Fresno Historical 
Society, Santa Clara University Board of Regents and the California 
Tomato Growers Association. He helped establish a graduate agribusiness 
program at Santa Clara University and he received an honorary doctorate 
degree from Fresno State. Both of these institutions offer scholarships 
in his honor.
  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 70 years, 
Bernice, his six kids: Anne Franson and husband Don, Nancy Woolf, John 
Woolf and wife Mary Pat, Mike Woolf and wife Shelly, Stuart Woolf and 
wife Lisa, Chris Woolf and wife Sarah, 24 grandchildren and 4 great-
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in celebrating and 
honoring the life of Mr. Jack Woolf. Jack strode through life with 
purposeful steady steps, a man on his way somewhere, always moving 
forward. His service to his country will be remembered for many years 
to come. We join his family, friends and community in honoring his life 
and legacy.

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