[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 59 (Thursday, April 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES MATZORKIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2021

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congresswoman 
Barbara Lee, to recognize the life of James ``Jim'' Matzorkis.
  Born in Chicago in 1952, Jim moved with his parents to California as 
a child. He later graduated from the University of Maryland with a 
bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After gaining experience 
in both the private and public sectors, Jim began working for the Port 
of Richmond in 1998 as a Marketing Manager and became the Executive 
Director in 2001. One of Jim's many accomplishments is completing the 
Honda Port of Entry, which brought significant profitability to the 
Port. As a testament to Jim's leadership, out of the 149 ports in the 
United States, the Port of Richmond is currently ranked 27th in total 
trade. The Port has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the 
City of Richmond and brought local and international business to our 
community.
  Jim's professional knowledge and dedication led to him serving on the 
Bay Planning Coalition Board of Directors and the California 
Association of Port Authorities Executive Advisory Committee. He also 
participated in Richmond's sister cities program and helped facilitate 
a strong and lasting relationship with Zhoushan, China, one of 
Richmond's three sister cities.
  In his personal life, Jim married his high school sweetheart, 
Beverly, and the couple had two daughters. He was known as the 
patriarch of his family, organizing family reunions and ensuring 
everyone stayed connected. He loved to travel, especially to Greece 
where his family would all come together. Jim also enjoyed regaling 
others with stories from his time working as a concert promoter and 
security in the rock and roll industry.
  Sadly, at just 68 years old, Jim passed away at his home in Oakland, 
California in December 2020. Jim is remembered by his friends and 
colleagues as kind and enthusiastic, and someone who made sure everyone 
around him was happy. Please join me and Congresswoman Barbara Lee in 
honoring James Matzorkis for his many contributions to our community.

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