[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2000
           TRIBUTE TO MR. JAMES W. FEE OF HUTCHINSON, KANSAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sherwood). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to honor a 
public servant, James W. Fee of Hutchinson, Kansas, and join with his 
family and community in mourning his recent passing. In his life, Jim 
loved his family, his community and his country.
  Jim proudly served his country for nearly 50 years in the United 
States Navy, first aboard the U.S.S. Albany and then as captain of the 
U.S. Naval Reserve. His patriotism and allegiance to the principles of 
freedom were shared with all who would listen.
  Jim's tireless commitment and devotion to his hometown was 
unrivalled. Throughout his life, Jim took a lead role in making certain 
his community was always an attractive place to call home. Without 
fail, Jim would report to his friends, family and colleagues upon his 
return home from travel, It was great to visit, but I could not wait to 
get home to Hutchinson.
  Jim's actions equalled his words. His service as mayor of the city of 
Hutchinson and as a member of the Hutchinson City Commission was guided 
by the goal of doing the common good for the most people. His 
leadership and dedication to his church, his professional trade 
associations and his business interests were always marked with 
charisma, honesty and sincerity.
  Jim was also, by every account, a successful businessman. Along with 
his brother Franklin and his father Frank T., Jim teamed to build the 
Fee Insurance Group into an industry-leading independent insurance 
agency. With a disciplined approach and a vision for success, Jim 
directed the agency for over a quarter century.
  Most important to Jim was his family. He and his wife of nearly 50 
years, Martha, raised five children, Jim, Jr., Stacy, Allen, Bob, and 
Dan, and devoted endless love and attention to 18 grandchildren.
  Jim Fee personified the words of Abraham Lincoln, ``I like to see a 
man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man who lives 
in it so that his place will be proud of him.'' Jim Fee made his 
community, State and Nation a better place. He and his family can be 
proud of the life he lived.
  I join his many friends and his admirers in extending my deepest 
sympathies to Martha and the Fee family.

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