[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JIM GORMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2023

  Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the 
memory of Mr. James C. Gorman of Mansfield, Ohio. A longtime 
philanthropist and industrialist, Mr. Gorman died on September 21 at 
age 99.
  Mr. Gorman was born in Mansfield in 1924. A 1941 graduate of 
Mansfield Senior High School, he flew more than 70 combat missions in 
C-47s in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II. He was a 
charter member of the Ohio National Guard's 179th Airlift Wing in 1948, 
flying P-51s.
  Jim served as president of the Gorman Rupp Company, a pump 
manufacturing business founded by his father, J.C. Gorman, and business 
partner H.E. Rupp in the 1930s. His strong leadership and loyalty to 
his employees led to steady growth and international renown in the 
industry. It was just four years ago that Jim retired as a member of 
Gorman Rupp's board of directors, wrapping up 73 years with the 
company.
  Jim was known throughout the region for his generosity and his 
dedication to his community. He and his family donated land to 
establish the Gorman Nature Center, the Bellville Dog Park, the Frank 
P. Lahm Aviation Museum, and an area YMCA sports complex.
  Jim volunteered his time in many ways, serving as president of both 
the Mansfield Rotary Club and the Mansfield Aviation Club. He co-
founded and led the Beechcraft Heritage Museum and was president of the 
Experimental Aircraft Association Foundation.
  Among the accolades Jim received through his career were the 
Mansfield-Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award, the 
Construction Industry Manufacturers Association Lifetime Achievement 
Award, the North Central State College Hall Excellence Award, the 
Beechcraft Heritage Museum Young Eagle Award, and the Experimental 
Aircraft Association Chairman's Award, as well as induction into the 
North Central State College Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and the North 
Central Ohio Industrial Museum Hall of Fame.
  Jim was predeceased by Marjorie, his wife of 65 years who shared his 
love of aviation. He is survived by their son, Jeff; their daughter, 
Gayle; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we are grateful that good men like Jim Gorman dedicate 
their lives to the service of others, enriching countless lives and 
giving back so much more than they receive. On behalf of the people of 
Ohio's Fourth Congressional District, I offer his family my condolences 
as they continue to reflect on this pillar of the community and his 
contributions to Mansfield and Richland County.

                          ____________________