[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1252-E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LEGACY OF JAMES MERIMON PAINTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED BUDD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of James 
Merimon Painter, who passed away in Prospect Hill, North Carolina on 
October 23, 2021.
  James Painter spent his entire life advocating for and serving the 
community he loved. From helping his parents on their farm during the 
Great Depression, to advising the Caswell Vocational Commission 
Services and the Caswell Civic Center Committees, Painter was one who 
truly put his community before himself.
  James took his knowledge of farming with him to the United States 
Navy where he was selected to lead a farming unit on the Mariana Island 
of Tinian to feed American Gls in the Pacific. While serving, he 
sustained serious injuries from sniper fire; and on a separate 
occasion, his tractor ran over a land-mine. Following the incident, Mr. 
Painter jokingly said, ``that was a waste of a perfectly good 
tractor.''

[[Page E1253]]

  After the war, James returned to his cattle farm and got married to 
his wife of 55 years--Ms. Josephine ``Jo'' Murchison. While 
predominantly raising beef cattle and grain, he served his community as 
the President of the Caswell County Farm Bureau, a position he proudly 
held for 17 years. Additionally, he was a member of the NC Farm Bureau 
Federation Board for 23 years. He won several different agriculture 
awards over the years--most notably being named ``Cattleman of the 
Year'' in 1975--while his family received the Soil and Water 
Conservation Farm Family award of 1979.
  In describing Mr. Painter's life, Caswell County Farm Bureau 
colleague Lucas Bernard wrote that, ``James Painter will be remembered 
for his service to his community, Caswell County agriculture, and his 
nation. He has been an inspiration to me by seeing and hearing about 
his dedication to farming and agriculture locally, as well as overseas 
during WWII.''
  James Painter was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, and is 
survived by his nieces and nephews. The Caswell County community has 
lost a great soul, advocate, and gentleman with Mr. Painter's passing. 
May he forever rest in peace.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring James Merimon Painter for 
his service to his community and his sacrifice for this Nation.

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