[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1538]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING CLAYTON JAMES

 Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to remember the life 
of a great Wyoming citizen, Clayton James. A longtime Jackson Hole 
resident, Clay was well-loved by all in the community. I am honored to 
recognize Clay's lifetime of accomplishments.
  Born in St. Louis, Clay first felt the call of the West in college. 
He attended Arizona State University, eventually graduating with a 
bachelor of science degree in business. He held several jobs during the 
academic year, but his summers were reserved for the great beauty of 
Grand Teton National Park. It was here that he first began working for 
the Grand Teton Lodge Company. During this time, he learned to 
appreciate the natural beauty of the park, while also gaining firsthand 
experience in the hospitality industry.
  This experience proved useful upon his graduation. He returned to the 
Grand Teton Lodge Company as a full-time employee. The company was part 
of the Rockefeller RockResort Company, owned by Laurance Rockefeller. 
Clay's career in the resort management and development sector was 
largely the result of his relationship with Rockefeller. Shortly after 
being hired, he was selected to open a new Rockefeller resort in the 
British Virgin Islands; thus began a nearly 20-year career of opening, 
operating, and managing resorts and hotels.
  Clay was an outstanding representative for Wyoming's tourism 
industry. In working with the RockResort Company, Clay travelled 
extensively, opening resorts across the United States. During one such 
assignment in Hawaii, he met his future wife, Shay. They were married 
in 1966. And although they traveled frequently, often with family in 
tow, Clay never lost his love for the Teton Mountain Range. In 1984, 
they settled in Jackson Hole permanently, and he again returned to the 
Grand Teton Lodge Company as the general manager. His love for the 
resort and his staff was truly remarkable. When he retired in 2006, 
Clay was the well-admired president of the company.
  Clay was deeply passionate about conservation. He believed that it 
was possible to preserve the diverse ecosystem in Grand Teton National 
Park while also welcoming the millions of visitors who came to enjoy 
its splendors each year. This guiding principle led to his involvement 
in the transfer of the historic JY Ranch to the National Park Service. 
Owned by the Rockefeller Estate, the JY Ranch was a parcel of about 
33,000 acres that was originally purchased by John Rockefeller, Jr., in 
the early 20th century. In 2007, Laurance Rockefeller asked Clay to 
manage this important transition. The project was completed in 2008, 
and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve was opened in Grand Teton 
National Park for the public to enjoy. Clay was especially proud of 
this achievement because it brought so many of his passions together.
  Clay's extensive background in hotel management, as well as his 
experience as a concessionaire in Grand Teton National Park, was 
especially useful during his service on the Jackson Hole Airport's 
board of directors. This experience, coupled with his unique 
perspective, made Clay an effective liaison between the National Park 
Service and the Jackson Hole Airport. He was instrumental in the design 
and construction of the airport's terminal renovation and expansion 
project. With Clay's advocacy, the airport was able to complete all 
renovations while working with the Park Service to maintain the 
environmental integrity of Grand Teton National Park.
  Clay's penchant for giving back to the community was incredible. He 
devoted his free time to serving on several local and State boards and 
committees, each as different as his wide range of interests. He was a 
proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and also served in the 
Army National Guard. He always strove to improve the quality of life 
for his family, friends, and the community of Jackson, and his impact 
will be felt for years to come.
  Clay is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shay Orlin James, and his 
children and their spouses, Scott and Jennifer James and McKenzie and 
Robert Hammond. He loved his grandchildren Emma and Cole James and 
Rigdon and Riley Hammond. He also is survived by his brothers and their 
spouses, several nieces and nephews, and many close family friends.
  It is an honor to celebrate Clay James and his extraordinary legacy 
of community service. He was kind, personable, and a natural leader. I 
know that the community of Jackson shines brighter because of his 
special contributions.

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