[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4581]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      IN TRIBUTE TO JIM B. NIELSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Jim B. Nielsen, a man who made deep and lasting contributions to 
Watsonville through his achievements in industry and civic service. 
Before Jim's death at the age of 90, he enjoyed a successful and 
storied career in the produce industry beginning in 1929, raised a 
family, and contributed decades of civic service to the Watsonville 
community.
  Jim's experience raising crops began at age 8 on a Pajaro Valley 
Farm, where he helped his family cultivate crops using horse drawn 
implements. He operated his own produce company for 60 years, earning a 
reputation for fair dealing and conservation. He served as President of 
the California Warehouse association, and his flair for leadership 
carried into other areas of his life.
  His achievements as a leader within the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks, with whom he served for 65 years, won him election to 
the position of Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight, one of the most honored 
posts within the national, 1.5 million-member fraternal organization.
  Beyond the Elks, Jim served the Watsonville community as a Santa Cruz 
County Grand Jury member, by working on the California Draft Board, as 
director of the Watsonville Red Cross Chapter, as a volunteer fireman, 
and as a member of the board of directors of the Valley National Bank.
  Jim was an avid sportsman and an outdoor enthusiast. He managed and 
played on the Watsonville Falcons and later played semi-pro football 
with the Watsonville team. He and his wife Marilyn spent much of their 
time riding jeeps, hiking, enjoying the mountain country, and managing 
their horses at their Heaven Hill Ranch in San Benito County.
  Jim's family grew to include his wife Marilyn, a son and daughter, 
two stepsons, one stepdaughter, three grandchildren, and three great-
granddaughters.
  Jim can best be remembered as a pillar of the community and as a 
template for a life well-lived. His decades of hard work in the produce 
industry and his steadfast commitment to civic service stand as 
positive examples to his community. His devotion to many interests, 
including sports and the outdoors, lasted throughout his life, giving 
him truly golden ``golden years''. His leadership and his kindness will 
be missed by all who knew him.

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