[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E770]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING JIM JONES
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HON. MIKE THOMPSON
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, August 3, 2026
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside the
Kiwanis Club of Napa to honor James ``Jim'' Jones on Jim Jones
Appreciation Day in recognition of his years of dedicated community
service.
After graduating from Napa High School in 1957, Mr. Jones went on to
earn an Associate of Arts degree from Napa Valley College, a Bachelor
of Arts degree from the University of Califonria, Berkeley, and a Juris
Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San
Francisco, then returned home to begin a distinguished legal career
serving Napa for more than five decades.
Mr. Jones is a retired attorncy who served on the Napa City Council
from 1972 to 1976. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Jones displayed a
passion for serving others as he provided trusted counsel to countless
individuals, families, and organizations. Even after concluding his
private practice, Jim has continued to offer his expertise to nonprofit
organizations and community groups throughout Napa.
Since joining the Kiwanis Club of Napa in 1985, Mr. Jones had
dedicated himself to the organization's mission of improving the lives
of children and strengthening our community through hands-on service
and exemplary leadership. Mr. Jones led major fundraising events,
volunteered at service projects, mentored young people, supported
children with special needs, rang bells for the Salvation Army,
organized community celebrations, and inspired generations of Kiwanians
through his positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
As President of the Kiwanis Club of Napa in 1998, Jim helped lead the
construction of the Club's first community playground--a legacy that
has since grown to more than 75 playground projects. As Lieutenant
Governor of Kiwanis Division 8, Mr. Jones led remarkable membership
growth, expanding the number of clubs throughout the region. Mr. Jones
helped the Kiwanis Club of Napa earn statewide recognition from the
California-Nevada-Hawaii District with the Harold Heimbaugh Award for
outstanding membership growth.
Mr. Jones has continued to serve Kiwanis beyond the local level
through leadership roles with the California-Nevada-Hawaii District
Foundation, the Kiwanis International Membership Committee, and the
Board of Trustees. Mr. Jones earned the Distinguished Service Award
from The Children's Fund in recognition of his extraordinary
contributions. He also co-chaired a countywide humanitarian fundraiser
that united our Napa community and raised more than $100,000 in just
three weeks to provide relief for the people of Ukraine.
In 2024, Mr. Jones was honored with the Salvation Army Lifetime
Advisory Board Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to the
organization, including his instrumental role in establishing the
Salvation Army Culinary Academy and expanding housing opportunities for
its students and graduates.
Mr. Speaker, we owe our thanks and appreciation to Jim Jones for his
integrity, generosity, humility, and unwavering dedication to service.
He is an enduring example of what it means to put ``service above
self.'' Jim Jones is my friend, and I consider him a mentor. Therefore,
it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
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