[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14867]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHARLES ``GEORGE'' SIMMS JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Mr. Charles ``George'' Simms of Pueblo, Colorado and 
recognize his contributions and service to his community. George 
recently passed away at the age of 73. He was a longtime teacher and 
coach at Centennial High School and is remembered today as a hero and 
role model for many of his students and players.
  George was born in Walsenburg, Colorado and attended Centennial High 
School in Pueblo, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. As a 
student at Pueblo Junior College, veteran coach Harry Simmons referred 
to him as ``the best second baseman I ever coached.'' George continued 
his education and athletic career at Wyoming and after graduation in 
1950; he signed a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. George's 
baseball career was interrupted when he joined the Air Force to fight 
courageously during the Korean War. During the war, he met his wife, 
Anne playing service basketball. George brought her back to Pueblo and 
began his teaching career in 1954.
  In 1982, George was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Sports 
Association Hall of Fame. He taught and coached baseball for twelve 
years. He and his wife celebrated their 50th anniversary last fall. 
George is survived by his wife, five children and eight grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege that I recognize Charles Simms 
and his selfless contributions to the City of Pueblo and this nation. 
His friends remember him as ``George'' a man who didn't know that he 
was the hero. It is an honor for me to pay tribute to this veteran 
before this body of Congress and this nation. I express my condolences 
towards family and friends during this difficult time, but I would also 
like to remember the joy he provided to us all, his legacy and 
contributions will be greatly missed.

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