[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21471-21472]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. JAMES RICHARD RUTLEDGE

  (Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)

[[Page 21472]]


  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise this 
morning to remember the life of Dr. James Rutledge, who recently passed 
away at the age of 65. I am honored to stand before this body of 
Congress and this Nation to recognize some of his many accomplishments.
  He was born in Ironton, Ohio. He was educated in Kentucky. He joined 
the air force after receiving his degree in medicine. He served his 
country honorably, and for his service in Thailand during the Vietnam 
War, he attained the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam 
Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  Jim and his wife Rhonda moved their family to Jasper, Alabama, which 
is located in the Fourth Congressional District in February of 1980, 
and he served as the medical director of laboratory medicine at Walker 
Baptist Medical Center.
  Dr. Jim Rutledge was a man who loved his God, his wife Rhonda, his 
family and his country. He was a true American hero to so many during 
his life. He was a man many depended upon, a man of little fanfare but 
deep wisdom and compassion.
  Our prayers continue to go out to Jim's family, friends and community 
at this difficult time.
  Mr. Speaker, I could go on much longer about this man but time does 
not permit. However, I will put an extended tribute to Dr. Rutledge in 
the Record.

                          ____________________