[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5683]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED 
                      COMMISSIONER JIM WILLIAMSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 4, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to recognize the 
life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Commissioner Jim 
Williamson, who passed away on April 2, 2014. Throughout his long and 
distinguished career in public service, Jim served as a mentor and an 
inspiration to countless individuals. All those who have been blessed 
by his presence mourn the loss of a great man and accomplished public 
servant.
  A life-long native resident of Santa Rosa County, Florida, Jim 
graduated from Milton High School in 1964. He enjoyed a four-year 
professional baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals, before 
establishing his own business, Williamson Electrical Co., Inc., in 
Northwest Florida.
  In 1977, Jim began his career in public service when he was elected 
as a member of the Milton City Council, where he served until 1985. He 
then continued his dedicated service to the community when he won a 
seat on the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners in 1996. Thanks to 
his leadership and strong work ethic, Jim achieved rapid success, and 
he was re-elected without opposition in 2000. He then went on to serve 
as Chairman of the Santa Rosa County Board of Commissioners until his 
recent retirement just days ago.
  Jim served Santa Rosa County with the utmost integrity. During his 
time in office, he contributed greatly to the growth of Santa Rosa 
County and worked tirelessly to promote economic and cultural growth as 
well as fiscal accountability. His efforts included streamlining the 
building permit and inspection process, enhancing recreational 
opportunities for Santa Rosa County residents, constructing county 
buildings, and implementing safety improvements at Peter Prince 
Airport. His achievements did not go unrecognized, as he received 
several accolades, most notably the God in Government award and Santa 
Rosa County Chamber Leader of the Year. Aside from his leadership in 
Santa Rosa County, Jim was actively involved in many other aspects of 
the community, including coaching youth athletics and worshipping the 
Lord at Immanuel Baptist Church.
  Throughout his life, Jim served his community with humility. For more 
than twenty years, I have had the privilege of working closely with him 
on a bevy of issues that affected Santa Rosa County and the entire 
Florida Gulf Coast. Jim represented everything that is great about 
Santa Rosa County. There is no question he will be remembered as a man 
of unquestionable character, unwavering resolve and unmatched 
determination. To his family and friends, he will be remembered as a 
man of great faith and compassion, and a loving husband, father, and 
grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to honor the life of Commissioner Jim Williamson. My wife Vicki joins 
me in extending our sincerest condolences and our prayers to his wife, 
Paulette; sons, Jayer, Jeremy, Jarrod, Randy, and David; 11 
grandchildren; and the entire Williamson family. Jim's presence will be 
deeply missed, but his example will always be with us.

                          ____________________