[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10936]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF JAMES ``JIM'' NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember James ``Jim'' 
Nelson, a pioneer in his community and grandfather of the Republican 
Party in Denton County.
  Though my political life began after Jim's leadership of the Denton 
County Republican Party, his legacy and commitment to conservative 
principles is renowned. I am proud to call his son, J. Michael Nelson, 
and daughter-in-law, State Senator Jane Nelson, good friends of mine.
  Jim was one of the few Republicans in Denton County in the 1970s, and 
he worked hard to build the party's base there. He can be credited, in 
large part, to the overwhelming success of the GOP in North Texas 
today. Besides the Republican Party, Jim was involved in business, arts 
and charitable organizations. He also served as Texas Education 
Commissioner from 1999 to 2002.
  Jim was one of the hardest-working individuals I have ever met. The 
last time I saw him was at his Mayday Manufacturing Co. warehouse. Jim 
was right in the middle of it all, working on the line in the warehouse 
giving instructions. This is the type of tireless dedication that Jim 
applied to every aspect of his life.
  Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise today and remember a man 
who, throughout his long life, did so much to better those around him 
and his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim 
will be greatly missed.

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