[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY OF MR. COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR 
                         (RET) JAMES A. McNAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATRICK RYAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2023

  Mr. RYAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
Command Sergeant Major (ret) James A. McNair, devoted husband to Esther 
G. McNair (deceased); beloved father, grandfather, and great 
grandfather; decorated veteran; cherished friend and admired mentor, 
passed away in El Paso, Texas, on March 31, 2023.
  James McNair was born the 11th child of James and Mary Magee McNair 
on their 100 acre family farm in Mt. Olive, MS. He and his siblings 
would work on the farm before heading off to school each day. At 
Lincoln High School, he drove a school bus to help ensure other 
students got to and from school safely. He graduated from high school 
early and entered the United States Army. Soon after, while visiting 
his brother in Tuskegee, AL, James met his love, Esther Greene. They 
shared a passion for dancing, family, education, and service. They were 
soon married and journeyed through life together until her passing in 
2005.
  CSM McNair served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, including serving at 
Ft. Bliss, TX, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, Alaska, Europe, and Korea. 
He received many commendations, medals, and awards, including the 
Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He retired in 1985 
and was recognized on the floor of the United States House of 
Representatives for his distinguished service, saying ``His outstanding 
service to his country will long be remembered by his fellow soldiers 
and greatly appreciated by his fellow Americans.''
  After retirement, he and his wife worked in Civil Service for the 
U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, TX until he retired again in 2004. He 
subsequently served the Texas Department of the American Legion in many 
roles, including Texas Department Commander and Trustee. He was an 
advocate for increased membership, soldier and veteran education, 
female service members, and veterans' rights. His motto was ``Results 
Count.'' In appreciation of his community service, the Mayor and City 
Council of El Paso proclaimed September 20, 2008 ``James McNair Day.''
  He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Esther Greene, his 
son Tyrone Greene McNair, his parents, and his 10 siblings: Costee, Sr. 
(Johnnie Lee), Mertis C., Johnnie Mae Barnes (Ervin, Sr.), Geneva 
Bacot, R.P. McNair (Elizabeth), Alfred Earl ``Terrell'', Sr. (Irma), 
Zella D. ``Dull'' Weathersby (Arties), Eugene ``Nick'' (Laura), 
Governor ``Bone'', and Willine Ward (Eugene ``Harry'').
  He is survived by his children, Reverend Dr. Christopher McNair 
(Lisa), Minneapolis, MN, LTC (ret) James McNair (Corinne), Vilseck, 
Germany, Mr. Kerry McNair (Wendy) Atlanta, GA, Mrs. Valerie Hill 
(Edward), Pflugerville, TX, and Mrs. Janise McNair Dagins, Ph.D., 
(Clarence), Gainesville, FL, two sisters-in-law: Irma McNair, Ocean 
Springs, MS, and Laura McNair, Collins, MS, his 15 grandchildren, 1 
great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 
James A. McNair was a humble and selfless patriot. It is my privilege 
to rise in recognition of his life of service and to honor his memory.

                          ____________________