[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING JAMES KINARD'S SERVICE TO THE CITY OF MELVINDALE AND THE 
                                 NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of 
James Kinard, the former Mayor of Melvindale, Michigan, and grieve his 
passing. His dedication to his community and family is worthy of 
remembrance and commendation.
  Jim was born in 1949 in Highland Park, Michigan, to William and Clara 
Kinard. After graduating from Melvindale High School in 1967, he 
answered the call and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served 
valiantly until 1972.
  After leaving the Navy, Jim dedicated the next four decades of his 
life to his father's business, Bill's Cutter Grinding. Outside of his 
commitment to the family business, Jim proudly served the city of 
Melvindale in many positions. Through the 1970s and 1980s, he was the 
Recreation Commissioner, working to enhance the outdoor experiences and 
quality of life of Melvindale' s residents. That dedication to 
community was rewarded by being elected Mayor Pro-Tem and eventually 
Mayor of Melvindale from 1995 to 2003. Recognized as an exceptional 
leader, Jim was appointed as the chairman of the Downriver Community 
Council, where he fostered collaboration between the Downriver cities 
and worked hard to address the challenges that faced the region.
  In addition to his decades of public service, Jim will be remembered 
for the impact he had on the lives of Melvindale's youth. For 12 years, 
Jim served as the Melvindale Little League Baseball Coach, imparting 
upon his players the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and 
resilience. He also served on the board of the Melvindale Athletic 
Booster Association, ensuring support for young athletes no matter what 
field, court, or track they competed on. Jim was also an advisor for 
the youth group at Melvindale Methodist Church, where he shaped the 
futures of many young people looking for guidance.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
life and service of James Kinard. A leader of his community and mentor 
to many, his leadership will be greatly missed but not forgotten. His 
memory lives on in his wife, Mary, 2 children, and 6 grandchildren. We 
offer them prayers of solace in this difficult time, and thank them for 
sharing their husband, father, and grandfather with us. He made our 
corner of Michigan a better and more welcoming place for all.

                          ____________________