[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E43]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF SENATOR J. WILLIAM LINCOLN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 18, 2022

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the late James 
William Lincoln of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, for a life dedicated to 
public service.
  Senator ``Bill'' Lincoln, as he was known by those close to him, 
ended his long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease on 
December 19, 2021. By all accounts, he approached life the same before 
and after his diagnosis: with action.
  Born in 1940, Senator Lincoln worked as a shoe salesman and milk 
delivery man before being elected district judge. After serving two 
terms, Senator Lincoln was elected to the Pennsylvania House of 
Representatives, where he served from 1972 to 1978. In 1979, he was 
elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he served the people of 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 15 years.
  During his tenure, Senator Lincoln was appointed to the Legislative 
Budget and Finance. Committee, Joint Legislative Air and Water 
Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, Legislative Audit 
Advisory Committee, and the Joint State Government Commission. He also 
served as the Chair of the Democratic State Committee from 1991 to 
1995.
  In 1998, Senator Lincoln was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at 
the age of 58, but his passion for public service never wavered. 
Following his time in the State Senate, he worked as a member of the 
State Transportation Advisory Board and was also appointed by the 
governor as Commissioner and Secretary-Treasurer to the Pennsylvania 
Turnpike Commission, where he served for 10 years until 2013.
  Among the many titles Senator Lincoln held were husband, father, and 
friend. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lincoln, and four sons, James 
William Jr., Eric, Jerry, and Greg Lincoln, and their families. He 
leaves his loved ones with not only fond memories, but also a legacy of 
service to his home state.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life of Senator Bill 
Lincoln and the tremendous accomplishments and contributions he made to 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. May his leadership and service, 
particularly in the face of adversity, serve as an example to us all.

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