[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1724-1725]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            A LIVING LEGACY

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of 
Oregon's unsung heroes, Jim Willis. For many years, Mr. Willis has 
dedicated his life to assisting and enriching the lives of countless 
Oregonians. His story should serve as an inspiration to us all as we 
try to make our country a better place.
  He was raised in California and attended the University of California 
at Santa Cruz. Upon graduation he was accepted for graduate school of 
the prestigious University of California at Berkeley, yet he never had 
the opportunity to complete his degree when his father became ill. 
Willis returned to be with his father in Bishop, CA, where he worked as 
the Education Department director for the Owens Valley Paiute

[[Page 1725]]

Tribes. The experience set the tone for a long career in tribal and 
educational organizations.
  Willis arrived to Roseburg, OR, in the early 1980s, continuing his 
work at Umpqua Community College in the Student Services department, 
and later at Rogue Community College as a financial aid officer, 
helping hundreds of young adults explore their career opportunities. 
After leaving his mark on the education arena, he decided to serve 
local American Indian tribes in their quest of cultural restoration and 
economic self-sufficiency.
  In 1982, Willis began working with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz 
Indians, ultimately becoming general manager of the Confederated Tribes 
of Grand Ronde. His long and distinguished career in Oregon tribal 
government was illustrious and renowned throughout the State. He is 
well respected in tribal and State government circles. Willis was 
appointed to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in 1993, where 
he served an important role until he stepped down in 2001. He was 
pivotal in the rise in prominence of our State Universities.
  Currently, Willis is winning a hard-fought battle with cancer. I join 
with countless others in honoring his courage as he fights to overcome 
this devastating disease. We all look forward to the day that Jim 
Willis returns to help improve our great State of Oregon.

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