[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3503]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JACOB N. PERKINS

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today with a deep sense of sadness, I wish 
to speak in honor of a wonderful man, Jacob N. Perkins--a former staff 
assistant in my office, who passed away on February 5, 2007. Although 
``Jake'' worked for me some time ago--in 1990 and 1991--he remained a 
key part of what I like to call the extended Warner staff family.
  Jake first came to my office as a summer intern from Virginia Tech 
University. From day one, he impressed all of us with his profound work 
ethic, his absolute dedication and loyalty, his keen interest in 
government and politics, and his generosity of spirit. In fact, Jake 
was such an impressive young man that, after his internship, he was 
hired on as a member of my permanent staff to serve as my chief mail 
clerk. He always carried out his responsibilities in an exemplary 
fashion, giving 150 percent of effort each and every day.
  Upon leaving my office, Jake returned to Virginia Tech to finish his 
undergraduate work. In 1994, he received his bachelor's degree in 
political science, compiling nearly a 4.0 average his final 2 years of 
school. After graduating at Virginia Tech, Jake attended law school at 
the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
  Through all the time that has passed, Jake has remained a steadfast 
friend of my office, supporting my campaigns and projects whenever 
possible and maintaining warm and important friendships with current 
and former staff members. Indeed, only this past Christmas, he was the 
principal organizer of our annual staff alumni luncheon.
  In recent years, Jake began to have significant health problems. His 
passing away this past Monday at the early age of 37, reportedly due to 
kidney transplant complications, is a tragedy.
  Jake was a remarkable man in so many ways. For one, you would never 
have known he was ill, not even for a day. He was the type of man who 
never complained, who was always upbeat, and who continuously looked 
out for his friends and family.
  He was an avid Virginia Tech sports fan, an unfailing fan of the New 
York Yankees, and always eager to enjoy a game of golf with his 
friends.
  Jake had a tremendous community presence in his home of Poolesville, 
MD. From his leadership role in the local Chamber of Commerce, to 
organizing and serving as chair of ``Poolesville Day'' in honor of his 
beloved community, to helping coach youth basketball teams, to serving 
as an announcer at local school sporting events, Jake's dedication to 
community service exemplified the motto of his alma-mater, Virginia 
Tech: Ut Prosim--that I may serve.
  Jake Perkins was a big man with a big presence. The biggest thing 
about him, however, was his heart. He will be greatly missed by this 
Senator and many Warner staff members past and present.
  My sincere condolences go out to his dear mother, Mrs. Ellen Perkins 
of Poolesville, MD, and his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and 
Shoshana Perkins. We thank you for the gift of Jake's friendship in our 
lives. We will miss him, but we are forever grateful for the time we 
had with him. Jake Perkins will always be remembered.

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