[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20911]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JIMMY PITTS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to speak of an American 
patriot.
  Jim Pitts was my classmate during my 4 years at Basic High School in 
Henderson, NV. I have fond memories of Basic, and one reason is because 
I also have fond memories of my friend, Dr. Jim Pitts.
  I remember when Jim and I were chosen to go to Reno as members of 
Boys State. We headquartered at UNR. For two young men from Henderson, 
where there is almost no greenery, it was almost unreal to see the 
green grass, the clear flowing water of the Truckee, and even Manzanita 
Lake.
  Boys State is an experience I will always remember. And again, my 
memories of that experience will always include Jim Pitts.
  I also recall our senior prom, Nancy Niece, a junior, was the prom 
queen . . .  and Jim Pitts was president of the senior class. Jim and 
Mike O'Callaghan, who was one of our teachers and later served as 
Governor of Nevada, got the idea to bring in some flowers for the 
dance. It is an understatement to say we had flowers--they were 
literally everywhere! They were flown in from Hawaii. How they were 
purchased, I will never know. But what a prom Jimmy put together--
memories are made of this.
  In high school, Jim was one of the smart kids. He was good at math, 
and he even liked science. So it was only natural that the faculty 
recognized his potential. With the support of his teachers and his 
family, he enrolled at the University of Oregon in Eugene. He graduated 
with honors, then went on to medical school at the University of Oregon 
in Portland.
  Jim began his residency program to become a surgeon in Fresno, CA. 
But after 2 years, duty called, and Dr. Pitts joined the United States 
Army. He volunteered to become a paramedic. In lay terms, this is a 
medical doctor who parachutes out of airplanes to care for those who 
are injured in combat.
  He served with the 101st Airborne Division during the bloodiest years 
in Vietnam, 1967-68. In Vietnam, Jim received the Bronze Star, the Army 
Commendation Medal, and the Combat Medic Badge. His medical training 
gave him the skills needed to save lives. He was a hero.
  After coming home from Vietnam, Jim returned to Fresno and completed 
his residency in general surgery. Dr. Pitts then moved back to Nevada, 
but this time he settled in the north, in Carson City. He has made his 
home in Carson City ever since, performing miracles and saving lives at 
the Carson-Tahoe Hospital.
  In 1989, Dr. Pitts was honored as Distinguished Physician of the Year 
by the State Medical Association. He obviously passed his talents as a 
surgeon along to his son, Todd, who has been serving in his father's 
practice for the past 6 years.
  But Dr. Pitts is not just a talented surgeon, he is also a great 
friend and a gentleman, a caring person who has made a tremendous 
difference in his community. And he passed these traits to his daughter 
Kathy, who teaches school here in Carson City. I know Jim and Carol are 
very proud of both of their children. And I know they, in turn, are 
both proud of their parents.
  Since our high school days, Jim and I have rarely been able to spend 
much time together. He went his way, and I went mine. We have had an 
occasional dinner, and even went shooting together, but not often 
enough.
  In spite of our limited contact, and the passage of 45 years, our 
friendship has never wavered. I am so proud of Jim and his 
accomplishments.
  I recently wrote Jim a letter, expressing sympathy at the passing of 
his dear father. Little did I know when I wrote the letter that Jim was 
ill himself. As soon as I learned of his condition I called him, after 
worrying the entire weekend about my high school buddy.
  When I called, I hoped I would be able to perk him up. But just the 
opposite occurred. Jim, always the physician, cheered me up.
  He said, in effect, I am so fortunate to have the life I have, a 
wonderful family, and time to plan for the future.
  I am sorry I can't attend the event to celebrate Jim's outstanding 
career, and at the same time--this sounds just like Jimmy Pitts--raise 
money for the Cancer Treatment Center at Carson-Tahoe Hospital.
  Jimmy, may you know from your old boyhood friend of my love and 
affection.
  Thinking of you, I am reminded of the old Jewish saying: ``Who finds 
a faithful friend, finds a treasure.''
  Fifty years ago, I made a friend, and I found a treasure. Jimmy Pitts 
has truly been a blessing in my life.
  Thank you, Jimmy.

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