[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8371]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO J. RANDY JACKSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend, a friend of Georgia's Third Congressional District, and a 
friend of all Georgia, J. Randy Jackson, chief administrative officer 
for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, who tragically passed away on the 
afternoon of May 20, 2016.
  Randy was the first American employee hired for Kia's plant in 
Georgia. He not only became the public face for Kia Motors in Georgia, 
but an advocate for the continued creation and development of 
employment opportunities for Georgians.
  When he came to Kia, and when Kia came to West Point, Georgia, West 
Point was a struggling city affected by the textile plant closings. But 
under Randy's leadership ability to bring people together for the good 
of all, both Kia and West Point have thrived. Today, Kia is responsible 
for 15,000 jobs at the plant and in the surrounding community.
  Mr. Jackson played a key role in hiring thousands of those employees. 
A passionate worker, his enthusiasm for Kia and creating jobs 
cultivated a workplace that both blended corporate business and human 
needs.
  Randy had an almost unique way about him. Somehow, he was able to be 
comfortable and at ease while projecting that he had full control over 
every situation that might arise. Randy's way was a remarkable blend of 
personality, caring, and expertise.
  Randy's presence was felt beyond the walls of Kia--and will be for 
many years to come. He was, for example, involved in the THINC Academy, 
which strives to support the education of future generations of good 
employees.
  While Randy Jackson was a dedicated company man, he was also a 
devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Deborah 
Jackson. He was the proud father of two children, James Randall 
Jackson, Jr., of Kentucky, and Jennifer Caley Jackson of Milner, 
Georgia. His parents, James Edward and Pauline Greer Jackson of Macon, 
Georgia, and a sister, Delbra Jackson Hayes, of Perry, Georgia, also 
survive him. Mr. Jackson was a very loving and doting grandparent to 
his granddaughter, Scarlett Anne. Mr. Jackson also had softness in his 
heart for his beloved Rat Terrier, Rambo Brodie.
  Randy lived a life of hard work and love. He inspired those around 
him ``to make every day better than yesterday.'' His loss will be long 
felt at Kia and in the entire community. He made both better from his 
presence.
  At the plant, they talk about the Kia Way, emphasizing teamwork and 
problem solving to make progress. We all know that Randy's way was the 
Kia Way. The community and the plant will go on; the plant he helped to 
make sure that it would, but it won't be quite the same without him.
  Thanks, Randy, and until we meet again.

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