[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MR. JAMES PAUL MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Mr. James Paul Mason. Mr. Mason was a life-long resident of 
Neshoba County, Mississippi. His parents, Mrs. Mary Ethel Graham Mason, 
and Mr. James (Jim) Presley Mason, both advanced education in their 
home county; his mother as a teacher, and his father as a member of the 
school board.
  James Paul was a star athlete at Neshoba Central High School and was 
recruited to play football at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) 
by the legendary John Howard Vaught.
  Upon graduating from Ole Miss, Mr. Mason returned to his high school 
alma mater as an assistant football coach for 5 years, then embarked 
upon a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 
Farm Service Agency.
  Mr. Mason is recognized for his long service to his county, state, 
and Nation as executive director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency for 
Neshoba and Kemper counties until his retirement in December 2018. His 
service was exemplary.
  Outside his role with the USDA, Mr. Mason was a dedicated husband to 
his wife of 49 years, Judy Clark Mason, and a loving father to his 2 
daughters, Yancey and Corby.
  James Paul was a proud member of the Ole Miss ``M Club,'' a club for 
athletic letter winners at the University of Mississippi. He was a 
loyal supporter of the University, attending an untold number of 
sporting events as a season ticket holder for football, basketball, and 
baseball. There was not a bigger Rebel fan.
  James Paul was generous to his friends. He also had a ``Never-met-a-
stranger'' personality which endeared him to those who met him. He was 
loved and admired by a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues. 
Mr. James Paul Mason will always be remembered as a husband, father, 
and friend. There was none finer.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, we commend and thank Mr. James Paul 
Mason for his decades of service to his country.

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