[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JIM PEELER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 22, 2026

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Jim 
Peeler for receiving the 2026 Camden County Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Congressional Freedom Award. Born in North Carolina, Jim Peeler moved 
as a child with his family to Atlantic City, New Jersey. After 
graduating from college, Jim commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 
United States Army in 1962. Following his service in the armed forces, 
Jim began what would be a 60-year civil service career. He first met 
Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 1964 Democratic Convention held in 
Atlantic city, where he discussed negative demonstrations at the 
convention and led to his appointment to the then newly established New 
Jersey State Division of Civil Rights by former New Jersey Governor 
Richard Hughes.
  Jim Peeler had worked in very high intensity human services roles 
prior to deciding to dedicate decades of service as an educator and 
coach at Overbrook High School and Edward Junior Highschool now known 
as Winslow Township High School. He ended his coaching career at Cherry 
Hill High School East, where he had the opportunity to work under and 
alongside Beau Woods and Herb Fisher for eight years, a time that he 
reflects upon fondly to this day. He retired as an educator in 2008.
  While he pushed his students both on the field and in the classroom, 
Jim Peeler also continued his education earning a Master of 
Administration and Supervision from Rutgers University. Following his 
retirement as an educator. Jim worked as an administrator for Camden 
County's Pollution Control Financing Authority, where he remained as a 
fixture for 12 years before. formally retiring in 2020. Meanwhile 
throughout his career, Jim Peeler committed himself to civil rights, 
serving a combined 24 years as Chairman of the Human Relations Councils 
for Cherry Hill, Camden County, and New Jersey. His time with the State 
Human Relations Council was at the behest of former governors McGreevey 
Corzine, and Christie. In 2006 Jim had the opportunity to present a 
session detailing ways to Pave the Way for Immigration through Human 
Relations at the Human Relations Council Conference. In 2013, he was 
awarded The Hela Yong Memorial Award from the New Jersey. Commission on 
Holocaust Education. Jim Peeler is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi 
Fraternity, Inc., American Legion 68 in Merchantville, the Cherry Hill 
Alliance on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, as well as the Cherry Hill African 
American Civic Association and several other organizations.
  Today, Jim has been happily married to his wife, Nancy, for 56 years 
and are the proud parents of Michael, Eric, and their late son Scott. 
They feel blessed to have their wonderful grandchildren, Chase, 
Breanna, Sierra, Brayden, and Shane and when not with family or 
volunteering, Jim is fishing or golfing.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Jim 
Peeler, a resident of Cherry Hill Township, New Jersey, a resident 
dedicated to his country and community and who has thoroughly served 
them both to the best of his ability.

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