[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO JEROME ``BUDDY'' COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ARTUR DAVIS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to Jerome ``Buddy'' Cooper, a man who articulated, pioneered, 
and embodied a progressive vision for the working people of Alabama. On 
Tuesday, October 14, Buddy passed away after 90 years of a remarkable 
life. Those countless Alabamians who live better lives due to his 
efforts will mourn him dearly.
  An Eagle Scout and graduate of Harvard University, Buddy has 
continually served his family, his nation, and his community. In 1937, 
Buddy became the first law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo 
Black of Alabama. He remained at the right hand of this legendary 
Justice for three years until he decided to answer another call. 
Joining the U.S. Navy in 1940, Buddy served his country for 44 months 
and during some of the bloodiest naval battles of the Second World War.
  Following his courageous war service, Buddy returned to Birmingham to 
begin a long legal career fighting the good fight for the unfortunate, 
the poor, the disposed, all those whom the Scriptures name ``the least 
of these'' and was a constant thorn in the side of those who wished to 
take advantage of them. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy recognized 
Buddy's work for social justice and racial reconciliation by inviting 
him to a meeting of 240 attorneys that later became the Lawyers' 
Committee for Civil Rights under Law--the group credited with providing 
official legal support to those civil rights activists and 
organizations challenging segregation and racial discrimination across 
the country. In 1996, Buddy was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award 
for his decades-long participation with this select group.
  Buddy demonstrated the same tenacity and loyalty towards his family 
that he exhibited in every other aspect of his life. Married to his 
wife Lois for over 50 years, Buddy exemplified an honest and loving 
husband, caring for his wife throughout the years of her illness. Their 
children, Ellen and Carol, were blessed to have a father who wanted 
nothing more than to love them and watch them grow up in an Alabama 
that was better than the one in which he grew up.
  I am proud, Mr. Speaker, today to honor Jerome ``Buddy'' Cooper for 
his tremendous accomplishments. But, Mr. Speaker, I do so with the 
bittersweet knowledge that Alabama will be lesser tomorrow for his 
passing.

                          ____________________