[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF CHARLES WHITMAN JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Charles Whitman Jones, United States Veteran, beloved husband and 
father, educator and administrator, and friend and mentor to countless 
people.
  Armed with intelligence, educational achievement, integrity, 
motivation and a strong work ethic, Mr. Jones overcame the challenges 
of racial discrimination with grace and dignity. Mr. Jones had a vision 
for himself and for his family--a vision of happiness, success and 
accomplishment--that would not be thwarted during the dark days of 
racial inequity in America.
  The accomplishments of Charles Whitman Jones are many, varied and 
significant. He was named class valedictorian in high school, but was 
not allowed to give the address because of his race. After high school, 
he received academic honors in both college and graduate school. Beyond 
his outstanding educational achievement, Mr. Jones was a superior 
athlete. He was awarded fourteen varsity letters during high school, 
and during college, he was a track, baseball and boxing champion. His 
outstanding baseball talent was such that he could have played in the 
Major Leagues, yet at that time, there was no possibility of his 
acceptance into a League exclusive to white players. Charles Whitman 
Jones was later inducted into the Myers University Athletic Hall of 
Fame, and was named ``Father of the Year''--just two of the many awards 
and honors bestowed upon Mr. Jones throughout his lifetime.
  Following graduation from Ohio University, Mr. Jones was inducted 
into the United States Army. He was selected to become one of the elite 
Tuskegee Airmen, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Following his 
service in the Army, Mr. Jones worked as a teacher, then chemist at 
Standard Oil Company in Cleveland. He married his childhood sweetheart, 
Diane, and together they raised their son, Peter. His commitment to 
others led him to leave Standard Oil to join Neighbors Organized for 
Action in Ohio (NOAH) as its executive director. This non-profit agency 
focused on constructing and providing decent and affordable housing for 
residents in the Hough area of Cleveland. Later, Mr. Jones was asked to 
join the administration at Myers University, where he served as 
Director of Admissions, Athletic Director, Director of Student 
Services, and Assistant to the President for Community Affairs.
  Throughout his lifetime, Charles Whitman Jones consistently reached 
beyond the racial barriers of the day and held strong to his dream, 
purpose and focus--his wife and son, his commitment to others, and his 
professional and individual achievements. He paved the way for others 
to succeed, with great dignity, strength and grace--gently leading and 
always inspiring.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Charles Whitman Jones, an outstanding American citizen whose 
integrity, warmth, wit and concern for others have left an unwavering 
mark upon our Cleveland community. I extend my deepest condolences to 
Mr. Jones' cherished wife of fifty-four years, Diane; his beloved son, 
Peter Lawson Jones; his beloved daughter-in-law, Lisa Payne Jones; his 
beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Leah and Evan; and his many extended 
family members and friends. Although he will be deeply missed, the 
wonderful life and legacy of Charles Whitman Jones will live on in the 
hearts of all whom he loved and inspired--especially his family and 
closest friends--today, and for generations to come.

                          ____________________