[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JAMES E. NEENAN

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend, Mr. James E. Neenan, 
who passed away on January 30, at the age of 96.
  Jim was a first-generation Irish American and a man of great moral 
character. His experiences as a young man helped to forge the values 
that would guide the rest of his days: hard work, humility, humor, 
faith, and an unwavering devotion to family.
  When his country called, Jim answered, serving in the United States 
Army during the Korean war. Like so many veterans of his generation, 
Jim returned home not seeking recognition but simply the opportunity to 
build a life rooted in purpose and community.
  That is exactly what he did, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts 
and minds of all whom he encountered, reflecting the very best of the 
City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, New York.
  At St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, my alma mater, thousands of 
athletes, including myself, knew Jim as Coach Neenan. Although small in 
stature, he was a giant on the football field, teaching proper 
technique to young men, many of whom went on to successful collegiate 
careers and a number who went on to play in the NFL.
  Jim also coached tennis, but Coach Neenan taught far more than just 
the fundamentals on the courts or on the field. He taught discipline, 
teamwork, and respect. Above all, he instilled in countless young men 
that character mattered more than the scoreboard.
  Generations of Marauders carried those lessons with them long after 
the final whistle or graduation day. We remember a coach who listened 
and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves.
  For all he gave to his students and athletes, Jim's proudest role was 
that of being a husband, father, and grandfather. Jim shared 66 years 
of marriage with his beloved wife, Anita, a partnership built on love, 
loyalty, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three children, Jim, 
Mark, and Margaret, and took great joy in their grandson, Michael.
  Jim was the husband who never missed a chance for a small act of 
affection, the father who never missed a game or a milestone, and the 
grandfather who always had time for a round of golf or a Fighting Irish 
game on a Saturday afternoon.
  Those who knew Jim also knew his remarkable energy and discipline. 
Even well into his later years, he remained committed to physical 
fitness, convinced that staying active was essential to living well. It 
was typical of Coach Neenan: always focused on improvement and always 
leading by example.
  Those qualities carried over into his faith. After retiring, he made 
a habit of walking to church every day, a simple but powerful 
reflection of the humility and gratitude that defined his life and his 
devotion to the Lord.
  On a personal note, I will never forget the sight of Coach Neenan 
regularly walking hand in hand through the neighborhood with his 
beautiful and loving wife, Anita.
  There are some people who pass through our lives who truly embody our 
Nation's highest virtues. Jim Neenan was one of those people: a 
veteran, neighbor, educator, coach, devoted husband, loving father and 
grandfather, and a mentor whose influence echoes through generations of 
Marauders and families across western New York.
  On behalf of a grateful community and Nation, I extend my deepest 
condolences to the Neenan family. May we all strive to live with the 
same humility, generosity, and resolve that defined Coach Neenan.
  May James E. Neenan rest in peace.
  Go St. Joe's.

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