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J. James Exon 

LATE A SENATOR FROM NEBRASKA 

MEMORIAL ADDRESSES AND 

OTHER TRIBUTES 

IN THE CONGRESS OF 

THE UNITED STATES 

UNUM

E PLURIBUS


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J. James Exon Senate Historical Office 


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U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 2005

S. DOC. 109–6 

Memorial Addresses and 

Other Tributes 

HELD IN THE SENATE 

AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

OF THE UNITED STATES 

TOGETHER WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE 

IN HONOR OF 

J. JAMES EXON 

Late a Senator from Nebraska 

One Hundred Ninth Congress 

First Session 

÷ 

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Compiled under the direction 

of the 

Joint Committee on Printing 

Trent Lott, Chairman 

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CONTENTS 

Page 

Biography .................................................................................................. v 

Proceedings in the Senate: 

Tributes by Senators: 

Bennett, Robert F., of Utah .................................................... 4, 5, 6 

Bingaman, Jeff, of New Mexico ................................................ 10 

Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota ................................................. 14 

Domenici, Pete V., of New Mexico ............................................ 9 

Frist, William H., of Tennessee ................................................ 3, 12 

Hagel, Chuck, of Nebraska ........................................................ 4 

Harkin, Tom, of Iowa ................................................................. 10 

Levin, Carl, of Michigan ............................................................ 12 

Nelson, E. Benjamin, of Nebraska ............................................ 6 

Reid, Harry, of Nevada ........................................................... 3, 12, 13 

Proceedings in the House of Representatives ........................................ 17 

Memorial Service ...................................................................................... 19 

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BIOGRAPHY 

JIM EXON was born in South Dakota, on August 9, 1921, 

to John and Luella Exon. He was raised in the rural community of Lake Andes, SD. He moved to Nebraska and attended 

the University of Omaha from 1939 to 1942. He was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree by Creighton University 

in 1991. He also has honorary doctor of law degrees from the 

University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Doane College, Crete, 

NE. 

He volunteered for the U.S. Army Signal Corps and served 

2 years overseas in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. 

He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant in December 1945 and served in the Army Reserve until 1949. 

Prior to leaving for the South Pacific, JIM EXON married 

Patricia Pros of Omaha. They celebrated their 50th wedding 

anniversary in 1993. The Exons have three children, Steve, 

Pam and Candy, three grandsons and five granddaughters. 

Following World War II, JIM EXON returned to Nebraska 

and started his business career in 1946 with the Universal 

Finance Corporation. In 1954 Pat and Jim founded Exon’s 

Incorporated, which grew into one of Nebraska’s best known 

office equipment companies. 

Throughout his career JIM EXON was a member of the 

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, NE, and was active in a wide range of professional and civic activities. 

JIM EXON was introduced to politics at an early age by his 

parents and his grandfather who served as a county judge in 

South Dakota. Campaigning for his grandfather was his first 

experience in grassroots politics. His parents were active 

leaders in the South Dakota Democratic Party. He became a 

prominent leader of the Nebraska Democratic Party, serving 

as State vice chairman and national committeeman. 

In his first bid for public office, JIM EXON was elected Governor of Nebraska in 1970 and was re-elected in 1974 to a 

second term. He served as Governor of Nebraska longer than 

any other person in the State’s history. As Governor, he applied his business skills of fiscal responsibility to State government, where he balanced the State’s budget for 8 consecutive years. 

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In 1978, Governor EXON marked a milestone by being the 

only Governor Nebraskans elected directly to the U.S. Senate. He was re-elected to a second term in 1984 and a third 

term in 1990. He continued his history of fiscal responsibility 

in the Senate, where he returned almost $4 million allocated 

to run his Senate office. The book ‘‘Politics in America’’ produced by Congressional Quarterly magazine said this about 

Senator EXON: 

EXON makes a real contribution to the Senate as a mirror of public opinion in America’s heartland. It is hard to think of anyone else in the chamber 

who seems as attuned to the questions and concerns of the typical middleAmerican. 

In the Senate, EXON was recognized nationally as a 

spokesman for fiscal responsibility, agriculture and rural 

America and an authority on national defense, commerce 

and transportation issues. 

Known as a fighter for fiscal responsibility, Senator EXON, 

as a senior member of the Budget Committee, authored and 

secured passage of the only spending reduction in 1994, a 

$13 billion real cut. 

Senator EXON was the author of the Communications Decency Act, a law which protects children from computer pornography by making it illegal to send indecent material to a 

child or to display it on-line in areas where kids can get to 

it. The law also strengthened and updated other protections 

against telecommunication harassment and pornography. 

Senator EXON, as a senior member of the Strategic Forces 

Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the U.S. strategic command in Bellevue, oversaw the U.S. nuclear arsenal and nuclear weapons production clean-up effort. 

As a senior member of the Subcommittee on Surface 

Transportation, EXON played a key role in railroad safety. A 

bill originated by EXON and passed in 1992 mandated hightech braking devices for trains, authorized funds for railroad 

safety and research programs and doubled the minimum 

penalty for safety violations. 

Senator EXON was a leader in promoting ethanol fuels as 

a new market for agricultural products and as a way to 

strengthen our Nation’s energy security. In the Senate, he 

beat back an attack on new Federal gasoline formulas and 

assured the expanded use of ethanol as a fuel additive. 

He wrote the law that designated the Niobrara River in 

Nebraska a National Scenic River. 

Senator EXON fought to expand markets for U.S. food 

products by opposing restrictions on agricultural exports and 

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by fighting for fair international trade agreements for Nebraska agriculture. 

Senator EXON, as a senior member of the Armed Services 

Committee, co-authored historic legislation passed in 1992 

requiring a nuclear testing moratorium and an end to all nuclear testing by 1996. 

He fought for changes in numerous Medicare rules which 

treat rural areas unfairly, including making Medicare reimburse rural and urban doctors in Nebraska at the same rate. 

EXON also co-sponsored legislation that made Medicare reimburse rural and urban hospitals at the same rate in 1995. 

Senator EXON authored a 1994 law that allowed direct 

flights to resume between Omaha and Washington, DC. 

As a senior member of the Budget Committee, Senator 

EXON worked hard to ensure that funding for crop insurance 

reform would be available and helped the stalled bill win 

Senate passage in 1994. 

Senator EXON authored the essential air service law which 

ensured that rural areas continued to have commercial air 

service. 

In 1990, EXON won a 3-year battle to block construction of 

the proposed Two Forks Dam in Colorado. EXON fought the 

dam to protect Nebraska’s water interests and the EPA 

agreed with him, killing the proposed dam in 1990. 

Passed in 1988, the Exon-Florio law gives the President 

authority to investigate and stop a foreign takeover of an 

American company if the takeover threatens national security. Under this law, hundreds of foreign takeovers have 

been reviewed for national security implications. 

Senator EXON sponsored legislation to keep the Nation’s 

only nationwide passenger railroad system operating. This 

legislation, which passed in 1992, allows AMTRAK to establish new service routes across the United States. The bill 

also promotes high-speed rail and encourages improved safety and training for AMTRAK employees. 

Senator EXON sponsored the law which authorized the 

minting of the first regular issue U.S. gold coins in more 

than 50 years. These ‘‘American Eagle Gold Coins’’ have become popular gold investments, increasing investment in the 

U.S. economy. Profits have reduced the national debt by over 

$180 million. 

Transportation legislation authored by Senator EXON has 

strengthened truck safety inspection efforts. EXON also supported making random drug and alcohol testing for transportation workers the law. 

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Senator EXON was the Senate sponsor of a 1993 bill which 

gave relief to small businesses, charities and shippers from 

excessive shipping charges, saving billions in liability costs. 

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MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 

AND 

OTHER TRIBUTES 

FOR 

J. JAMES EXON 

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Proceedings in the Senate 

MONDAY, June 13, 2005 

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I am terribly saddened by the 

death of JIM EXON. Those of us who had the opportunity to 

serve with him are very troubled by his death. He was an 

outstanding Senator. He was fair. He worked on both sides 

of the aisle. He protected the State of Nebraska and our 

country so well. 

I have so many fond memories of him. His enthusiasm for 

the work he did here was contagious. His sense of humor 

was wonderful. JIM EXON loved Nebraska football. He cared 

about a lot of issues, but other than his family, Nebraska 

football came first. He is going to be buried in Lincoln, NE, 

on this Wednesday. He died, I believe, on Friday night. Ben 

Nelson called me Saturday morning. JIM EXON was certainly 

a mentor of Ben Nelson. We will all miss him very much. 

I hope those who have some knowledge of Senator EXON

will recognize we hope to take an airplane trip to Nebraska 

Wednesday afternoon to attend his funeral. He was a wonderful man. I miss him so much. 

SENATE RESOLUTION 170 

Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Nelson 

of Nebraska, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Allard, Mr. 

Allen, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Biden, Mr. 

Bingaman, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Brownback, Mr. 

Bunning, Mr. Burns, Mr. Burr, Mr. Byrd, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. 

Carper, Mr. Chafee, Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. 

Coburn, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Conrad, 

Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Corzine, Mr. Craig, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Dayton, 

Mr. DeMint, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Dole, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Feingold, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Graham, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Gregg, 

Mr. Harkin, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. 

Inouye, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Kyl, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs. Lincoln, 

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Mr. Lott, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Martinez, Mr. McCain, Mr. McConnell, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Nelson 

of Florida, Mr. Obama, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Reed, Mr. Roberts, 

Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Sarbanes, 

Mr. Schumer, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Smith, Ms. 

Snowe, Mr. Specter, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Stevens, Mr. 

Sununu, Mr. Talent, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thune, Mr. Vitter, 

Mr. Voinovich, Mr. Warner, and Mr. Wyden) submitted the 

following resolution; which was considered and agreed to: 

S. RES. 170 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served in the United States Army Signal Corps 

from 1942–1945 and in the United States Army Reserve from 1945–1949; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served as Governor of the State of Nebraska from 

1971–1979; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served the people of Nebraska with distinction 

for 18 years in the United States Senate where he was a proponent of a 

strong national defense and knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters; 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON, formerly a Senator from the State of Nebraska. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate these resolutions 

to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the 

family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a 

further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON. 

RELATIVE TO THE DEATH OF FORMER SENATOR J. JAMES EXON 

Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 

that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 

170, which was submitted early today. 

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. 

The legislative clerk read as follows: 

A resolution (S. Res. 170) relative to the death of J. JAMES EXON, former 

United States Senator for the State of Nebraska. 

There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider 

the resolution. 

Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, on Friday, Nebraska lost one 

of the most dominant political figures in our State’s history. 

Former two-term Governor and three-term U.S. Senator JIM

EXON passed away in Lincoln at the age of 83. 

Many in this Chamber today served with him and knew 

him well. Those who served with JIM EXON remember a serious and dedicated public servant who enjoyed life and loved 

his State. 

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JIM’s voice was strong, and he spoke clearly and directly. 

No one ever had to guess where JIM EXON stood. As a Governor and a Senator, he fought for balanced budgets and restrained government spending. 

In the Senate, from his seat on the Armed Services Committee, he was a passionate advocate for a strong national 

defense. As a member of the Commerce Committee, he was 

a protector of our natural resources, and he had the foresight 

to author the Communications Decency Act. 

Mr. President, today, when politics is too often a race to 

the lowest political common denominator, JIM EXON was a 

very effective leader, a partisan leader who always played it 

straight. He never lost an election. He won five statewide 

elections in Nebraska, more than any other Nebraskan. 

Under JIM EXON’s leadership, the Democratic Party became 

the dominant party in Nebraska for 25 years. 

Anyone who knows Nebraska understands what a remarkable accomplishment that was. He did it by listening to the 

people. He did it by being a leader. 

I was JIM EXON’s replacement in the Senate in 1996. Over 

the last 9 years, I came to know him well and respect his 

judgment. We did not always agree, but I always appreciated 

the opportunities I had to visit with Senator EXON on a wide 

range of issues. A child of the plains and a veteran of World 

War II, he is part of a generation of Americans who understood leadership, sacrifice, and war. In his later years, JIM

EXON had much to say. And I had an opportunity to listen. 

The voice and wisdom of JIM EXON and his generation is 

slipping away from us at a time of unparalleled change in 

our world. Just as with JIM EXON, while this great generation is still with us, we need to listen closely to them. I did 

listen to JIM EXON. 

As a small business man, two-term Governor and threeterm Senator, JAMES EXON, along with his wife Pat, served 

his State, his Nation, and this institution with distinction. 

He will be missed by the Nebraskans he served so well and 

loved so much. 

Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 

that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, 

and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table. 

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? 

Without objection, it is so ordered. 

The resolution (S. Res. 170) was agreed to. 

The preamble was agreed to. 

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The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows: 

S. RES. 170 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served in the United States Army Signal Corps 

from 1942–1945 and in the United States Army Reserve from 1945–1949; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served as Governor of the State of Nebraska from 

1971–1979; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served the people of Nebraska with distinction 

for 18 years in the United States Senate where he was a proponent of a 

strong national defense and knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters; 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON, formerly a Senator from the State of Nebraska. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate these resolutions 

to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the 

family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a 

further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON. 

ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:45 A.M. TOMORROW 

Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent 

that the Senate stand in adjournment under the previous 

order, as a mark of further respect for former Senator JAMES

EXON. 

There being no objection, the Senate, at 8:19 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at 9:45 a.m. 

TUESDAY, June 14, 2005 

Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I am here today 

to pay tribute to a great American and a great Nebraskan. 

J. JAMES EXON served with distinction in the U.S. Senate 

from 1979 to 1997 and as Governor of Nebraska from 1971 

to 1979. Senator EXON passed away in his hometown of Lincoln, NE, last Friday at the age of 83. His funeral services 

are tomorrow in Lincoln. 

JIM EXON understood Nebraskans like no one else, which 

explains his popularity with the people of his State. He loved 

them and they loved him back. 

He was a Democrat in a highly Republican State, yet he 

never lost an election in two campaigns for Governor and 

three for U.S. Senate. He understood that Nebraska is a populist State more than it is a partisan State. Most Nebraskans judged him on what he said and what he did, not on 

his political registration. JIM EXON was a common man. Nebraskans will remember JIM EXON as one of the greatest 

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leaders Nebraska ever had. Anyone who travels around Nebraska today can see the continuing legacy from his quarter 

century of public service. 

JIM EXON built on the Nebraska tradition of working together. In that way he carried on the legacy of another giant 

in Nebraska history, Senator George Norris. Norris founded 

the unicameral legislature in an effort to improve the workings of government and to achieve results. JIM EXON had the 

same philosophy. 

I had the honor of serving in then-Governor JIM EXON’s 

cabinet as Nebraska Director of Insurance. He has been a 

friend and mentor ever since even as I have followed him as 

Governor and U.S. Senator. I would frequently call him to 

seek advice, and he would often call to offer it. Now those 

calls will cease but I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning from 

JIM EXON. 

The people of Nebraska always appreciated JIM EXON in 

life as they do now in death. We will miss him but we can 

all take comfort in the fact that his fingerprints are on more 

than a quarter century of our history, and Nebraska and the 

United States of America are far better places because of his 

generous service. 

As a former poker partner of JIM EXON, I can say that the 

man was driven to win. He was surprised by those who 

didn’t try to beat him. That attitude carried over into his 

public life and is ‘‘part and parcel’’ of the reason so many Nebraskans are fond of him. He made you feel like he was on 

your side. He made you feel your issues were important. And 

most of all, he made you feel proud to be a Nebraskan. 

Those in public life must face the last great scrutiny when 

they leave this world for the next. Their careers are examined again. Their friends and foes get one last unanswered 

say. In the case of Big JIM EXON, who liked to have the last 

word, I know this must be driving him crazy. 

In the case of JIM EXON the last word goes to Nebraska, 

the State and the people he loved so dearly. The State of Nebraska will miss JIM EXON, his wisdom, his humor and his 

common sense. He is one Nebraskan who from start to finish, and through every day, truly did lead ‘‘the good life.’’ 

I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record two 

editorials from Nebraska newspapers that captured the essence of JIM EXON so eloquently, one from my hometown 

paper, the McCook Gazette and another from the Omaha 

World Herald. 

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There being no objection, the material was ordered to be 

printed in the Record, as follows: 

[FROM THE MCCOOK GAZETTE, JUN. 13, 2005] 

‘‘COMMON MAN’’ EXON IN TOUCH WITH STATE

The former editor and publisher of the McCook Daily Gazette, Allen 

Strunk, played a key role in the political career of J.J. EXON, the former Nebraska governor and senator who passed away Friday at age 83. 

Strunk, a conservative Republican, broke with tradition in 1970 when he 

became the only daily newspaper publisher in the state to endorse EXON in 

the race for governor against Norbert Tiemann. 

Contacted at his Las Vegas home this morning, Strunk said he was moved 

to support EXON because he was a ‘‘common Joe’’ who was in touch with the 

people. ‘‘EXON had been a businessman in Lincoln and the 1970 campaign 

was his first run for office,’’ Strunk said. ‘‘He impressed me as being much 

more in tune with the wishes of the people than did Tiemann, who came 

across as pompous.’’ 

The endorsement of Strunk was helpful in the hard-fought race. Another 

factor was the negative feedback which Tiemann received following passage 

of state sales and income tax legislation. 

EXON’s victory in 1970 launched a political career that continued through 

two terms as governor and three terms as a United States Senator. Whenever he was in Southwest Nebraska, EXON made it a point to stop by the 

Gazette office for visits with Strunk. 

EXON also was an important figure in the lives of two other former 

McCook residents: the late Frank Morrison, a former governor of Nebraska; 

and Ben Nelson, a former governor and current U.S. Senator from Nebraska. 

Nelson struck the same theme as Strunk, saying, ‘‘JIM EXON was a common man who dearly loved the state of Nebraska and that’s why the people 

loved him. He was one of them and they knew it and were proud of it. His 

fingerprints are all over the history of Nebraska and he’ll go down as one 

of the greatest leaders this state has ever known.’’ 

During his lifetime, Morrison spoke highly of EXON, as did EXON of Morrison. EXON was among the many mourners when Morrison passed away in 

2003 at age 98. 

Other than George W. Norris of McCook, EXON was the only Nebraskan 

to win five consecutive elections. The state will miss him, as will the 

McCook area, which had a significant role in EXON’s long political career. 

————— 

[FROM THE OMAHA WORLD HERALD, JUN. 12, 2005] 

J. JAMES EXON

Perhaps someone else would have made Nebraska a two-party state in the 

second half of the last century if JOHN JAMES EXON hadn’t appeared on the 

scene. 

But it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing the job nearly as effectively, 

and with as much pure joy, as did the former governor and U.S. senator, 

who died Friday at age 83. 

Starting in the 1950s J. JAMES EXON breathed life into the moribund 

Democratic Party with the force of his personality, the clarity of his vision 

and the relentlessness of his energy. 

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He was a force in the candidacy of Govs. Ralph Brooks (1959–60) and 

Frank Morrison (1961–67). He was guide and mentor to Govs. Bob Kerrey 

(1983–87) and Ben Nelson (1991–99). In his own right, EXON was the first 

Nebraska governor to serve two four-year terms (1971–79) and followed that 

with an 18-year career in the U.S. Senate. 

EXON has earned lasting honor in the councils of his party. He helped 

show Democrats how they could succeed in Nebraska: be true to the better 

nature of their party while respecting the political traditions and impulses 

of all Nebraskans. Above all, be a straight shooter. Don’t pussyfoot. 

But he belongs to all Nebraskans. EXON’s presence on the political scene 

demonstrated the wisdom of evaluating a candidate’s knowledge, character 

and ideas ahead of narrow partisanship. Competition between the parties 

makes for a better examination of ideas and philosophies, but only if the 

voters are willing to listen before deciding. 

EXON simply would not be put down because the Republicans had a big 

lead in voter registrations. He said what was on his mind, and the electorate could not help but pay attention. 

And thus when the time came to ask Nebraskans for their votes, Republicans stepped forward by the thousands to cast a vote for JIM. 

As governor, EXON embraced the mantra of holding the line on spending. 

He was known for his strongly worded veto messages. He fought his political battles with a gusto that approached celebration. 

However, though he was a conservative on spending, he was no skinflint. 

His dislike of careless spending was balanced by an abiding sense of stewardship over the institutions of state government. He was a man of moderation. 

In the Senate, EXON positioned himself as a proponent of a strong national defense and as a knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters. A veteran of World War II, he could thus claim a legitimate share in the victory 

in the Cold War. 

He followed his stars, loved the outdoors, maintained the loyalty of strong 

men and never wavered in his commitment to fairness and his concern for 

ordinary people. 

Carved in the south facade of the Nebraska State Capitol, facing the Governor’s Mansion where the EXONs resided for eight years, are the words of 

Aristotle: ‘‘Political society exists for the sake of noble living.’’ 

Surely Big JIM EXON used that thought, or something very similar, as 

part of the code by which he lived his life. 

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico. 

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I heard the remarks of the 

distinguished Senator from Nebraska. I don’t have time tonight to make my comments about the distinguished Senator, Governor EXON, but tomorrow I will. 

Suffice it to say, it was my privilege to serve with him. He 

was everything the Senator from Nebraska said and more. 

Tomorrow I will elaborate on his years of service on various committees. He truly was a wonderful man, a hard 

worker, a man of great common sense, and he contributed 

immensely to the years I knew him in the Senate. 

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The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico. 

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, let me take a minute, 

also, and underscore the comments our colleague from Nebraska and Senator Domenici have made about JIM EXON. 

He was a great U.S. Senator and one with whom I was fortunate to serve on the Armed Services Committee for many 

years. He contributed a tremendous amount to his home 

State and to this country. He will be missed by all who 

served with him in the Senate. 

There is a service for him tomorrow in Nebraska, which I 

hope to attend. I will also have extensive comments to offer 

at a future time. It is a great loss to the country and a great 

loss, of course, to all those who knew him. He will be fondly 

remembered in this Senate. 

I yield the floor. 

WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2005 

Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, with the passing of former 

Senator JIM EXON on Friday, a giant oak in the forest of 

public service has fallen. Political historians will remember 

him as a dominant force in Nebraska politics across nearly 

three decades, serving two terms as Governor and three as 

Senator. Those of us who were privileged to be his friend remember him, first and foremost, as a man of enormous decency, integrity, and common sense. We remember his quick 

mind; his slow, gravelly voice; his Midwestern directness and 

unpretentiousness. 

Here on the Senate floor, I am privileged to sit at the same 

desk that Senator EXON used during the last of his 18 years 

in the Senate. I inherited it upon his retirement in 1996, and 

I have always considered it a special honor to carry on where 

he left off. 

Of course, for people in Iowa, JIM EXON was a next-door 

neighbor. Over the years, Iowans got to know him well as a 

stalwart friend of family farmers; as a tireless promoter of 

rural economic development; and, at a time when the bioeconomy was in its infancy, as a true believer in the future 

of ethanol and other home-grown, renewable sources of energy. 

JIM EXON was not just present at the creation of the ethanol industry, he was an important midwife of that industry. 

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He took office as Governor and in 1971 he created the Nebraska Ethanol Board. In the ensuing years of ethanol’s infancy, it was Nebraska and Iowa that led the way in establishing this industry. At every step, JIM EXON was there as 

an advocate and champion. 

I will always remember my partnership with Senator 

EXON and Senator John Melcher of Montana on the 1985 

farm bill. We fought long and hard to fend off attacks on 

safety-net programs for family farmers. Night after night, we 

kept the Senate in session into the early hours of the morning. And, thanks to JIM’s leadership and sheer relentlessness, we carried the day. 

Throughout his political career, JIM EXON prided himself 

on reaching across party lines and forging bipartisan consensus. This is very much a Nebraska tradition, going back 

to the legendary George Norris, who founded the State’s unicameral legislature. JIM succeeded as a Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican State because he knew how to reach 

out, how to unite people around shared interests. Senator 

Ben Nelson, a long-time friend and protege of JIM EXON, 

prides himself on continuing this tradition of bipartisanship 

and bridge building. 

They didn’t call him Big JIM for nothing. He was big physically, tall and imposing. He was big politically—the only Nebraskan since George Norris to win five consecutive statewide elections. And JIM was big hearted, a tough, relentless 

man, but also a compassionate person who cared deeply 

about other people and their well-being. 

As a public official, he was an old-fashioned fiscal conservative. He railed against what he called ‘‘wild-eyed spenders.’’ 

As Governor, he repeatedly vetoed the legislature’s spending 

bills, 141 vetoes in all. And, here in the Senate, he took on 

Republicans and Democrats alike who, in his eyes, were 

being reckless with the taxpayer’s dollar. 

Senator JIM EXON has been lying in state in the Rotunda 

of the Nebraska Capitol. Funeral services will be held this 

afternoon at the same location. So, today, the Senate says 

farewell to a truly distinguished former Member. JIM was a 

good friend to me, and he was much beloved in this body. 

Today our thoughts are with him, his family, and the people 

of Nebraska. May JIM rest in peace. 

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2005 

Mr. REID. Mr. President, the time I have is leader time, 

and I wanted to say a few things. I was not here yesterday 

afternoon because of the funeral of Senator EXON. I say to 

my colleagues, those of us who went to that funeral were so 

impressed with what this man did for the State of Nebraska. 

For the first time in the history of Nebraska, a funeral was 

held in the State capitol. Why? Because JIM EXON made a 

difference in the State of Nebraska. I am sure all 100 Senators, as I have, ask are we making a difference in what 

happens in our States, in our country. The lesson we can 

look to is JIM EXON, a man with not a great education by 

modern-day standards but a person who by modern-day 

standards, or any standard, had a great heart and a great 

mind and was able to do wonderful work for the State and 

for the country. 

His family expressed so many warm feelings about their 

father and grandfather. Bob Kerrey gave one of the most 

moving eulogies that has ever been given. I am sorry I was 

not here yesterday, but for those of us who went to that funeral—Senator Ben Nelson, Senator Hagel, Senator Bingaman, Senator Levin, Senator Akaka—it was so worth our 

time. 

ORDER TO PRINT AS A SENATE DOCUMENT 

Mr. FRIST. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent 

that tribute statements regarding former Senator EXON be 

printed as a Senate document, provided that Senators have 

until the close of business on June 30 to submit such statements. 

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. 

TUESDAY, June 21, 2005 

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it’s an honor to pay tribute to 

a great man, a distinguished Senator, and a dear friend who 

passed away on June 10, Senator JIM EXON of Nebraska. 

Last week I joined several of my colleagues in attending 

his funeral in Lincoln, NE. It was inspiring to be with the 

people who knew him best and loved him most. JIM was a 

giant in Nebraska politics not because of the power he wielded but because of the respect and affection he had earned. 

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JIM EXON was a decent man, without pretension or prejudice. He spoke plainly. He called it like he saw it. He did 

what he thought was right, regardless of the pressure that 

might have been put on him. JIM laughed the same wonderful, booming laugh with Presidents as he did with the people 

back home. He was a large man, and he had a heart to 

match. 

That is why he was beloved in Nebraska and never lost an 

election, serving two terms as Governor and then three 

terms as Senator. That is why he was popular even as the 

father of the Democratic Party in an overwhelmingly Republican State. And that is why his friendship and kindness 

meant the world to me. 

JIM and I were both members of the class of 1978, and 

we—and our wives—quickly became close friends. We served 

together on the Armed Services Committee; in fact, we sat 

next to each other for 18 years. We had honest, substantive 

debates about our defense policy, and I will always cherish 

the memories of that time. His only interest was the security 

and prosperity of our country and his beloved Nebraska. 

JIM worked for a strong national defense. He supported responsible budget policies. And he was ahead of his time in 

warning against terrorism and arguing for a Department of 

Homeland Security. For so many of us, he was a source of 

wise counsel and trusted advice. With JIM, you could always 

be certain he was telling you what he thought was right, and 

he usually was right. 

We will miss him terribly, but we are fortunate to have 

had him for so long. My thoughts and prayers, and those of 

my wife Barbara, are with his loving wife Pat and his entire 

family. 

THURSDAY, June 30, 2005 

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 

the eulogy given by former Senator Bob Kerrey at the funeral of our late colleague, JIM EXON, be printed in the 

Record. 

There being no objection, the material was ordered to be 

printed in the Record. 

[For the text of the eulogy, see page 28.] 

Mr. REID. Governor, Senator, Big JIM, J.J. EXON died on 

Friday at 8:30 p.m. on June 10, 2005, after the Cardinals 

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had secured a 7 to 1 victory over the New York Yankees. For 

him, a perfect ending to his life on this Earth. 

THURSDAY, July 21, 2005 

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish to take a moment to 

pay tribute to former Senator JIM EXON, a friend and colleague, who passed away on June 10, 2005. 

JIM EXON is a legend in his own State. For almost three 

decades, he served the people of Nebraska as both Governor 

and Senator. And through dedication and the force of his 

personality, he almost singlehandedly founded the Democratic Party in his State. In his entire career, he never lost 

an election because his constituents recognized his basic decency and common sense. 

However, JIM EXON didn’t only serve his Nebraska constituents. He also served his country and our Government in 

ways that we could sorely use today. He was, of course, a patriot and World War II veteran who brought his wartime experience to his important role on defense matters. But beyond his obvious love of country, JIM EXON especially loved 

his country’s democracy, which he saw as the crucial spark 

animating the American community. 

JIM EXON relished forthright debate and always had tremendous faith in the fairness of our system of government. 

But while he advanced his beliefs with conviction and passion, he also listened to those with whom he disagreed. Indeed, he was renowned as a fair and considerate lawmaker 

who routinely sought common ground with adversaries out of 

genuine sympathy for their concerns. 

JIM EXON’s facility for finding common ground with others 

stemmed from his roots in America’s heartland. In rural 

areas and small towns, neighbors must depend on one another. People in the country rely on pragmatism to solve 

problems, having little patience with argument for its own 

sake. JIM EXON brought these Midwestern values to his 

work, fighting openly for his beliefs, while still playing a cooperative and constructive role in resolving differences. 

Given his ability to see the point of view of others, it’s 

hardly surprising that JIM EXON made abundant legislative 

contributions. I was privileged to serve on the Senate Budget 

Committee with him, where he fought to keep our Nation’s 

fiscal house in order. Here, too, his approach was balanced, 

offering a fierce opposition to wasting taxpayer money on unVerDate jan 13 2004 14:36 Nov 15, 2005 Jkt 022900 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 C:\DOCS\EXON\22900.TXT CRS1 PsN: SKAYNE
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justified spending, while maintaining an abiding faith in effective government. Most importantly in this area, he recognized that lawmakers must resist the temptation to use public debt to shift current burdens onto future taxpayers. To 

JIM EXON, skyrocketing Federal debt was a shameful legacy 

to leave our children. 

Senator EXON also understood the wisdom of investing in 

the family farmer, the backbone of rural communities. A tireless advocate of rural economic development, he was one of 

the first to recognize the importance of ethanol as fuel, a renewable energy source that we produce here at home. And 

he fought for better transportation, better medical care, and 

better schools for rural areas facing special challenges. 

JIM EXON also worked to keep America’s military strong. 

A veteran of the South Pacific in World War II, he never 

wavered in his commitment to our Armed Forces. He played 

a crucial role on the Armed Services Committee in the aftermath of communism’s collapse. Thanks in large measure to 

his efforts, our military remained the mightiest in the world, 

even though its mission was reoriented to face the challenges 

of the post-cold war world. He worked tirelessly to contain 

nuclear proliferation. 

JIM EXON accomplished much during his three terms here 

in the Senate. That’s not surprising given the kind of man 

he was. He lacked pretense. He would tell you straight out 

what he believed, and he listened carefully to others. And he 

was fair. He brought Senators together by focusing on shared 

interests, rather than differences. 

JIM EXON was a big hearty man who loved to laugh. His 

deep, rolling baritone had an infectious good humor and compassion behind it that won over others. He was effective, in 

part, because people liked to work with him. 

I will miss my good friend and colleague. His accomplishments live after him. The Nation and the people of Nebraska 

will long remember the standards of integrity and decency 

that were the hallmarks of JIM EXON’s service to his country. 

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Proceedings in the House 

of Representatives 

THURSDAY, June 16, 2005 

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE 

A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, one of its 

clerks, announced that the Senate has agreed to the following resolution: 

In the Senate of the United States, June 13, 2005. 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served in the United States Army Signal Corps 

from 1942–1945 and in the United States Army Reserve from 1945–1949; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served as Governor of the State of Nebraska from 

1971–1979; 

Whereas J. JAMES EXON served the people of Nebraska with distinction 

for 18 years in the United States Senate where he was a proponent of a 

strong national defense and knowledgeable source on geopolitical matters; 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON, formerly a Senator from the State of Nebraska. 

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate these resolutions 

to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the 

family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a 

further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable J. JAMES EXON. 

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In Memory of 

Senator James Exon 

1921–2005 

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 

4:00 p.m. 

Capitol Rotunda 

Lincoln, Nebraska 

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JIM EXON’s favorite prayer: 

Serenity Prayer 

God, grant me the 

Serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change . . . 

Courage 

to change the things I can 

and Wisdom 

to know the difference. 

The Apostle’s Creed 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven 

and Earth. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born 

of the Virgin Mary. 

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and 

was buried. 

He descended to the dead. 

On the third day he rose again. 

He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of 

the Father. 

He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the 

Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

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Order of Service 

Processional 

Battle Hymn of the Republic Plymouth Brass 

Opening Prayer Father Sam Boman 

Eulogies Bro. Leo Willett, S.M. 

Chuck Pallesen 

Senator Bob Kerrey 

Exon Family 

Scriptures 

Isaiah 25:69 Mark Bowen 

Romans 8:14–19, 34–35, 37–39 Bro. Leo Willett, S.M. 

Musical Selection 

‘‘On Eagles Wings’’ Michael Joncas 

Sung by Brent Smith 

Accompanied by Marcia Wiebers 

Scriptures John 14:1–6 Father Boman 

Sermon Father Boman 

Creed Father Boman 

Lord’s Prayer Albert Hay Malotte 

Sung by Brent Smith 

Accompanied by Marcia Wiebers 

Closing Prayers 

Recessional 

————— 

Honorary Pallbearers 

Norm Otto W. Don Nelson 

Dorothy Obbink Greg Pallas 

Evan Wolf 

Casket Bearers 

Senator Bob Kerrey Bill Hoppner 

Charles Pallesen Senator Ben Nelson 

Mark Bowen Jim Otto 

Honorable Norm Krivosha Congressman John Cavanaugh 

Wadlow Rozanek Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska 

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Obituary information for JOHN JAMES EXON

Senator J. JAMES EXON (JIM), 83, of Lincoln died Friday (6-10-05). Born in 

Geddes, SD, on August 9, 1921, to John and Luella Exon. JIM was raised 

in Lake Andes, SD. He moved to Nebraska to attend UNO from 1939 to 

1942. Volunteered for U.S. Army Signal Corps and served 2 years in the 

South Pacific during WWII. Prior to leaving for the war, he married Patricia 

(Pros) Exon on September 18, 1943. 

Following his return from the war, he came to Nebraska and started his 

business career with Universal Finance Corporation. In 1954 he founded 

Exon’s Inc., which was an office equipment company located at 23d & O. 

Member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and active in a wide range of professional and civic activities. 

EXON was introduced to politics at an early age by his parents who were 

active leaders in the SD Democratic Party. JIM became a prominent leader 

of the Nebraska Democratic Party serving as State Vice Chairman and National Committeeman. In his first bid for public office, JIM EXON was elected 

Governor of Nebraska in 1970 and was re-elected in 1974 to a second term 

as Governor. In 1978, Governor EXON marked a milestone by being the only 

Governor Nebraskans have elected directly to the U.S. Senate. He was reelected to a second term in 1984 and a third term in 1990. 

Most important to JIM EXON was his commitment to his wife of 61 years, 

Pat, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by: 

wife, Patricia (Pros) Exon, son and spouse, Stephen Sr. and Kathleen Exon 

of Bellevue, daughters and spouses: Pamela and Alan Bricker, Greeley, CO 

and Candace and Dan Wolf, Lincoln. Grandchildren: Stephen Exon, Jr. and 

wife Kathy, Amy McGrath and husband Michael, Colin Bricker and wife 

Diedre, Heather Eurek and husband John, Lindsay Smith and husband 

Brent, Evan Wolf, Jessica Exon, and Anna Wolf; seven great-grandchildren, 

nieces and nephews. 

JIM was preceded in death by his parents, John James, Sr., and Luella 

(Johns) Exon, and a sister, Virginia (Exon) Johns. 

Private Burial 

Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, St. Elizabeth Hospice 

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Procession Prayer 

Father SAM BOMAN. Please rise. 

I am Resurrection and I am Light, says the Lord. Whoever 

has faith in me shall have light even though he dies, and everyone who has light and has committed himself to me in 

faith shall not die forever. As for me I know that my redeemer lives and at last he shall stand upon the Earth. After 

my awaking he will raise me up and in my body I shall see 

God. I myself shall see and my eyes behold him who is my 

friend and not a stranger. 

Procession Song: Battle Hymn of the Republic, performed by 

Plymouth Brass 

Opening Prayer 

Father SAM BOMAN. The Lord be with you. 

Let us pray. 

God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day 

our brother JAMES. We thank you for giving him to us, his 

family and friends to know and to love as a companion on 

our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion console us and mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of 

eternal life so that in quiet confidence we may continue our 

force on Earth until by your call we are reunited with those 

who have gone before. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

You may be seated. 

Eulogies 

Brother LEO WILLETT. Dear Pat, who is with us in spirit, 

and I believe JIM can do more for Pat now; Pamela, Steve, 

Candace and their spouses; the grandchildren, great-grandchildren; other relatives, friends; Honorable U.S. Senators 

and Representatives; Nebraska Honorable Governor and officials. It is an honor for me to be here with you on the invitation of JIM’s children. 

I first came to Omaha in 1967 for the building of Daniel 

J. Gross High School, a new Catholic high school in Sarpy 

County. As a member of the South Omaha community, I 

definitely knew of JIM EXON, who was first elected Governor 

of Nebraska in 1970. 

I first met JIM in 1974, 31 years ago, when I invited him 

to speak at our First Annual All-Activities Banquet. It was 

at that time, that he was the first to designate me as ‘‘the 

Father of Daniel Gross High School.’’ Monday I read that JIM

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is called ‘‘the Father of Nebraska’s modern-day Democratic 

Party.’’ Again, thanks JIM. 

Also that evening I discovered that JIM and I shared a passion and a joy for the baseball St. Louis Cardinals, since our 

youth, he from South Dakota, and I from East St. Louis, Illinois. That night in 1974 we shared our remembrances of 

‘‘the Gas House Gang,’’ the name given to the World Champion Cardinals in 1934: Dizzy and Daffy Dean, Joe Medwick, 

Frankie Frisch, Pepper Martin, and on and on. That night 

in 1974 was the beginning of a special relationship that has 

lasted until today and will be beyond. For an example of 

something I have done often for JIM, this week I was saving 

JIM copies from sports in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, from 

the noteworthy series with the Red Sox and the Yankees. 

(By the way, is the person present with whom JIM had a 

standing $1 bet as regards the Cardinals vs. Cubs?) 

When the Cardinals were in the World Series in 1982— 

1985—1987, JIM would arrange for us to attend the games 

in St. Louis. (By the way, the Cardinals did not show up for 

last year’s World Series, and neither did JIM nor I.) 

I remember especially in 1982, the night it rained so hard, 

the game had to be stopped several times. Each time the 

game was stopped, more of the dignitaries left the commissioner’s box. At some point, Steve, JIM’s son, and I were invited by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn to sit next to him and 

JIM. Many cousins and friends throughout the country saw 

me upfront on television that night. Wow! Also, after the 

Cardinals beat the Brewers in the spectacular come-from-behind seventh game, Tim, Steve and I were invited to the reception for the World Champion Cardinals. Great. It was at 

that reception that I had the opportunity to visit with 

‘‘Happy’’ Chandler, a former baseball commissioner, Governor and U.S. Senator from Kentucky, my native State. 

Further, I was with JIM, Dan, a son-in-law, and grandson, 

Evan, the night Mark McGwire tied the home run record, 

and the next night when Mark McGwire broke the record. 

What an unforgettable thrill! I can see JIM and those home 

runs again now. 

In 1979 I was told I needed a hobby, something I would 

enjoy doing when I didn’t want to do anything I usually did. 

I recalled being told that my ancestors went back to colonial 

Maryland and Virginia—and I had taught American history 

several years. Thus it was that I started family research in 

1979. I told JIM I would like to spend a summer in Washington, DC. JIM suggested I be an intern in his office. I was 

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to give special attention to inquiries ‘‘about education and religion!’’ Thus in the 1980 summer, I worked in his office 

week days, did research in Library of Congress stacks week 

evenings, did research at the National Archives on Saturdays, and visited museums on Sundays. For sure, my 1980 

summer was wonderful and unforgettable in many ways, 

thanks to JIM. 

In recent years I have tried to make at least one visit a 

year to Daniel Gross High School in Omaha, and include a 

talk to each of the freshman religion classes, especially about 

the early history of the school. JIM asked me to let him know 

when I was coming to Omaha. When possible he would drive 

from Lincoln, and we would meet at the Bohemian Cafe for 

a 2 to 3 hour lunch. Usually our visit would start with Cardinals baseball, then Pat and family, followed by varied topics from the past and present. I looked forward to those 

sharings with a special friend. (The Bohemian Cafe was in 

the area of Omaha where Pat had lived, his dear spouse of 

61 years, whom he had met and married while he was attending the University of Nebraska, Omaha.) 

In closing, JIM was a wonderful person and friend, as 

known by we who are here today and many who could not 

be with us. Definitely, JIM will be missed by many, especially 

by Pat and their family, his church family, his political family and the Cardinal Nation. Thank God for his and my belief, and for most of you, in eternal life. We will be together 

again. Grateful always, JIM. Prayers. 

CHUCK PALLESEN (family friend). 

Statesman, yet friend to truth! Of soul sincere, in action faithful, and in 

honor clear: Who broke no promise, served no private end, who gained no 

title, and who lost no friend. 

—Alexander Pope, 1720 

The proper thing to do would probably be to first recognize 

the top dignitaries assembled here. You might be surprised, 

however, how Senator EXON would address them: ‘‘Native 

Americans and other minorities, the disadvantaged, farmers, 

ranchers, men and women of labor, small business owners, 

those in the armed services, and oh yes, corporate leadership, and finally, those who you have honored by voting 

them to office.’’ 

That’s the way the man thought, from his humble beginnings in Lake Andes, SD, through service in World War II 

and the times he counseled with Presidents, and Prime Ministers, and admirals, and generals the world over. People 

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ask, how could ardent Democrat JIM EXON continually be 

elected in Republican Nebraska and maintain 80 percent approval ratings? The answer is quite simple: he reflected the 

basic values of Nebraskans. He was a fiscal conservative 

long before it became nearly mandatory nationwide. He stood 

for a well-equipped, strong military and was known in Washington as ‘‘Mr. SAC.’’ Yet he challenged the Pentagon to 

eliminate waste and cap development of unneeded arsenals 

of catastrophic weaponry. 

He carried the burdens of agriculture to the extent that 

one of our major newspapers referred to him as the Nation’s 

self-appointed Secretary of Agriculture. He was an environmentalist even though some of those battles, such as the 

Niobrara Scenic River designation, cost him particularly in 

several of our northern border counties. 

Senator EXON was a dedicated family man, and in fact 

passed up what could have been a fourth U.S. Senate term 

to spend more time with his spouse Pat, with Steve, Candy, 

Pam, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially 

enjoying times at the family cabin on the Platte River. 

Senator EXON was a decent man, a man of integrity. He 

genuinely liked people. Even though the allegiance to his political party was strong, both at home and in Washington, he 

worked with all people of all leanings. In Washington he 

was, as Senator Ben Nelson has described and emulated, a 

centrist, one who could easily cross the aisle to reach a compromise. In fact, he openly said in 1996 that growing party 

strife in Washington contributed to his decision to retire. 

He would be highly honored that the gathering here today 

includes both red and blue. The U.S. Senate delegation led 

by Senator Reid, with Senators Hagel, Nelson, Bingaman, 

Levin, Akaka, and Kerrey. Governor Heineman, Governor 

Thone, Attorney General Bruning, Congressmen Hoagland, 

McGinley and Cavanaugh, and Lieutenants Governor Robak 

and Moul, Montana Auditor of Public Accounts John Morrison, Chief Justice Krivosha, State Senators and other officeholders, Mayor Seng, Omaha Mayor Fahey, former Mayors 

Boosalis, Wesely, Harris, and Boyle, and many more. 

Senator EXON was noted for his political instincts. Our 

first meeting was when he was managing Frank Morrison’s 

gubernatorial campaign in 1960. Classmate Dick Shugrue 

was working for the campaign and set up lunch with Morrison and EXON. Toward the end of lunch, Morrison said he 

thought he needed a handout flyer. EXON grabbed a napkin, 

scribbled a few lines, roughed in a couple of pictures, did the 

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standard trifold, handed it to Dick and said, ‘‘Take it to the 

printer.’’ He was just as decisive in his own campaigns. Our 

issues committee had been meeting regularly in 1970, had 

drafted a platform for EXON to run on and invited him to the 

meeting to hear it. About halfway through the review, he 

stopped it and said, ‘‘This is all very nice, but aren’t the 

issues really just taxes and spending, spending and taxes?’’ 

The issues committee never met again. 

In his first gubernatorial campaign, we arranged to take 

him to the lawyers’ State bar convention to introduce him to 

lawyers from across Nebraska. As we were walking down the 

hall toward the convention room, he stopped abruptly and 

said, ‘‘We’re wasting our time here; I can do better campaigning in a Hinky Dinky parking lot.’’ And that’s where he 

went. 

Senators EXON and Kerrey flew to Valentine for a hearing 

on the Niobrara Scenic River designation issue. I thought 

‘‘This will be special—talking for 2 hours with two U.S. Senators.’’ But as soon as we took off they both pulled out legal 

pads and started writing. It soon became apparent that they 

were preparing for the hearing, and that being a Senator 

was more than just campaigning, talking, and voting. It’s 

hard work. The best line was about 10 minutes out of Valentine. Senator EXON turned to Senator Kerrey and said, ‘‘Bob, 

I’ve been on the firing line in Valentine on this issue. So why 

don’t you chair the meeting?’’ Without a blink, Senator 

Kerrey looked at him and said, ‘‘If you say so, boss.’’ That 

was the kind of relationship they had, not always agreeing 

on a certain vote, but always working together. And they 

shared many a laugh, even when Senator EXON would refer 

to ‘‘that movie actress friend of yours, what’s her name, 

Debra Reynolds.’’ And then that laugh! 

Some of you may remember early in President Clinton’s 

first term, Senator Kerrey’s vote was crucial and on the line 

on the tax bill. The White House invited a group of Nebraskans to come to Washington to meet with the President so 

he could convince them of the merits of his tax bill. Then 

they could lobby Senator Kerrey to vote for the bill. After the 

meeting I was to go to Capitol Hill to meet with Senator 

EXON to urge him to lobby Kerrey. I called Senator EXON to 

explain and make the arrangements. His response? ‘‘What 

are those White House people thinking? You’re not going to 

convince me to do anything of the kind. I talk with Kerrey 

every day. He knows my thinking and I know his. Don’t 

waste your time or mine.’’ 

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In his last Senate campaign we had organized one of those 

high roller $1,000 per person fundraisers in Omaha. Lots of 

Republican CEOs. Shh! That’s the way we raise our money! 

The function was going well, then came a knock on the door. 

A certain TV station crew wanted to come in and film some 

footage for the evening news. I said, ‘‘No, this is a private 

party.’’ Then I reported to the Senator. He looked at me with 

that famous scowl and said, ‘‘The idea here is to raise money 

to buy TV time, and you have free TV at the door. Let them 

in.’’ Some of the guests were a little camera shy, but we 

made the evening news. 

Traveling with the Senator could have its perks, as on one 

of the trips from Offutt to Kings Bay, GA, organized by Allen 

Beermann to visit the USS Nebraska submarine. At every 

stop a private military car and driver would pick up the Senator. As we checked in at the Kings Bay base housing, the 

driver said he’d pick the Senator up at 0600 hours for breakfast. The Senator asked, ‘‘What time does the main program 

of the day start?’’ Answer: ‘‘0900.’’ ‘‘Why,’’ the Senator asked, 

‘‘would I then go to eat at 6? Pick me up at 8:30.’’ And when 

his 8:30 car and driver came, the Senator said, ‘‘I’ve had too 

many military meals already in my life. Is there a McDonald’s around here?’’ And guess what, we got to McDonald’s 

and the submarine program on time! 

No review of Senator EXON is complete without remembering that pipe that he smoked until a few years ago. The 

ritual of cleaning and lighting, banging it on tables, car roofs 

etc., brushing the burning ashes off his shirt and tie. ‘‘Well, 

at least I don’t bang it on the inside of the car,’’ he once said. 

Senator John Calhoun, in 1835, stated, ‘‘The very essence 

of a free government consists in considering offices as public 

trusts, bestowed for the good of the country, and not for the 

benefit of an individual or a party.’’ 

JIM EXON, Nebraska thanks you for the service you gave, 

the people you touched, and the life you led. We will adjourn 

today, sine die. 

BOB KERREY (former Governor and U.S. Senator). To Governor Dave Heineman—I thank you for the wisdom and the 

generosity to allow these services to be conducted in the rotunda of this capitol that JIM EXON loved so much. It is a 

precedent worthy of the risk. 

To the family of Senator JIM EXON—I pray your pain will 

pass and become a loving memory. I hope you will always 

feel pride to have known this great man so well. 

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To his friends, both in attendance and not—let us count 

our blessings that we were so fortunate that he cared for us. 

To his colleagues who have left their work in the Senate 

to travel to Nebraska to pay tribute to one of their own: Senators Hagel and Nelson, Leader Reid, Senators Bingaman, 

Levin and Akaka—thank you for honoring JIM in this way. 

To the lawyers present—I apologize for I must begin my 

eulogy to JIM EXON with a lawyer joke. It is, I assure you, 

the least offensive one he ever told me. A doctor, a teacher, 

and a lawyer are killed in an automobile accident and find 

themselves at the gates of Heaven at precisely the same 

time. Saint Peter is in an unusually good mood and asks 

them each a very easy question: how much is two plus two? 

In turn the doctor and the teacher give the correct answer 

and are granted entry through the Pearly Gates. The lawyer 

hesitates, pulls Saint Peter aside and whispers: ‘‘What do 

you want it to be?’’ 

This was a question JIM EXON never asked. He always 

added up the numbers and gave them to you straight whether or not you liked the answer. 

He was born on August 9, 1921. It was a bad day for his 

St. Louis Cardinals; they lost to the Brooklyn Dodgers 8 to 

7. 

Each of us is influenced—though by no means limited—by 

the circumstances of our births. JIM EXON was born the 

same year that Adolph Hitler became chairman of the Nazi 

Party. In that year the United States officially ended World 

War I and signed a peace treaty with Germany. Radicals 

Sacco and Vanzetti were found guilty of murder by a Massachusetts judge. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated by President Harding at Arlington Cemetery on November 11, Armistice Day. In South Dakota, where JIM was 

born, scientists held a conference that summer to discuss the 

unrealized potential of electricity. 

He was 8 years old when the stock market crashed and the 

Depression officially began. He was witness to the dust 

storms and the terrible consequence of the loss of that topsoil. He came of age when the possibility of an economic revolution was real, when the New Deal became a salvation and 

a political way of life for many who believed that FDR had 

saved their lives. 

He was a teenager when the lights came on in two-thirds 

of Nebraska thanks to rural electrification. He remembered 

the enactment of Social Security legislation and the hope 

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which the WPA and the CCC gave to grown men and women 

who had given up. 

He was 20 years old when Japan invaded Pearl Harbor. In 

a single day the naive innocence which had propelled our 20- 

year disarmament came to a sudden and terrible end. The 

United States had steadfastly stayed out of the war trying 

at all costs to avoid this conflict. Thus it was that he came 

of age at a time when losing our freedoms was not political 

rhetoric but a real possibility. He knew the terrible price of 

weakness and isolation. 

Both of these big events—the Depression and the Second 

World War—defined JIM EXON. They explained a lot about 

who he was, why he took the political and economic positions 

that he did, and why he always seemed so grateful to be 

alive and an American. It explains why he didn’t complain, 

why he seemed to take whatever came his way in stride, and 

why he talked little about the hardships he had so obviously 

endured. Most of all it explains his values: a lifetime commitment to Pat, his children and his community, and his unrelenting desire to make life a little better for everyone. 

The events of JIM EXON’s youth explain a lot about JIM

EXON, the man. But one thing remains a mystery to me: 

Where did that laugh come from? I have never heard anything quite like it. It was more like a duck call than a laugh. 

But, like so many other things about JIM EXON (his pipe, his 

short sleeve shirts, his big ears) his laugh added to his authenticity. He was a man who never caused you to wonder: 

what’s he thinking? What you saw was what you got with 

JIM EXON. Except that some people saw this large, bigwristed son of the high plains and concluded that he was a 

rube who could be easily fooled. The thing is JIM EXON could 

tell when someone was underestimating him and he’d turn 

it into his advantage—either for fun or the benefit of Nebraskans. 

He came to New York City once to visit a number of people, including the New Deal economist Eliot Janeway. Arriving in Mr. Janeway’s plush offices Governor EXON saw from 

the look on the receptionist’s face that she was a little taken 

aback by his look. So, after asking directions to and using 

the bathroom, he returned to comment to a startled receptionist how wonderful it was to find a place with indoor 

plumbing. 

‘‘That’s something we don’t have back in Nebraska. And 

what are those white porcelain bowls hanging on the walls?’’ 

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After she explained their function and he exclaimed that 

he was going to have one installed in the Governor’s mansion 

when he returned to Lincoln, she realized she was being put 

on. 

Basin Electric in Wyoming was not so lucky. As Governor, 

JIM had persuaded his friend Attorney General Paul Douglas 

to bring a lawsuit against the State of Wyoming over a water 

dispute involving Wyoming’s decision to grant a permit to 

Basin Electric for a new power plant. Negotiating in private, 

Governor EXON emerged with an agreement which created 

the Sandhill Crane Trust on the Platte River near Grand Island. The net for Nebraska has been hundreds of millions of 

tourism dollars and sufficient stream flow to guarantee the 

preservation of an ancient wild bird flyway. 

This conservation ethic produced a locally famous encounter at Valentine High School shortly after I arrived in the 

Senate. Senator EXON had introduced legislation to designate a portion of the Niobrara River as ‘‘scenic,’’ which 

would limit development—something that Cherry County 

residents are not known for favoring. I suggested to JIM that 

we schedule a townhall meeting in the high school and invite 

opponents and supporters to give us their views. 

Needless to say few of the latter showed up. In fact we 

were welcomed at the door of the school by two cowboys on 

horseback who turned their horses as we approached. In 

doing so we were able to see hand-painted signs they had 

hung from their saddles. One said Senator EXON; the other 

said Senator Kerrey. Both had arrows pointed down at the 

horses’ rear ends. 

A humbling moment. 

As humbling as when he and I first met in 1982. As a relatively unknown candidate for Governor, I wanted to get a 

photograph of Senator EXON and myself to include in my 

campaign brochures. Upon meeting him I was surprised how 

tall he was and even more so when the film was developed. 

I looked like a small imitation of the real thing standing 

next to him. In order to use the image I chose to turn the 

negative slightly when it was printed making us appear a 

little closer in stature. 

Truth is I had to do a lot of that during my 16 years in 

elected politics when standing next to him. 

What impressed me most about JIM EXON was that he 

never let his size or his power inflate his personal opinion 

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room about some baseball detail that only he knew. He never 

stopped returning the calls of friends who had helped him 

get started or he knew along the way. He began and ended 

the same. 

He made friends with rich and poor alike, with the powerful and the powerless. He could count half a dozen Presidents he had met, including President Bill Clinton with 

whom he was especially close. They were all the same to 

him—just another human being with a range of strengths 

and weaknesses. 

He left behind a big and lasting legacy. Balanced budgets, 

stronger defense, land conserved, rural communities 

healthier, better schools and jobs, and a more just America. 

Beyond those accomplishments was something more important. To all of us who met him, knew him, respected and 

loved him, he was like Jimmy Stewart in ‘‘It’s A Wonderful 

Life.’’ Our lives and the places we call home would not have 

been the same without him. 

AMY BRICKER-McGRATH (granddaughter). Governor, Senator, statesman, champion of the Heartland, friend of the 

people; all of these titles suit J.J. EXON, but the title that 

was most meaningful to me was Grandpa. I know I speak for 

Steve, Colin, Heather, Lindsay, Evan, Anna, and Jessica, 

when I say that we are among the luckiest of people in the 

world to have a grandfather like him. 

Grandpa was a tall man with humor, heart, and an imagination to match. All the grandchildren can attest to the 

famed Lake Andes stories which predictably started with 

‘‘When I was the first-chair flute player of the Lake Andes 

Philharmonic Orchestra’’ or ‘‘When I was the star of the 

Lake Andes pro-baseball team.’’ My Grandpa told the best 

tall tales about his boyhood in Lake Andes, SD, but now I 

realize he was not telling stories about himself. He was telling stories about each one of us. Each story was tailored to 

suit the particular dreams and interests of the specific 

grandchild. Every one of us knew for sure that we were the 

grandchild he loved the most, and each one of us was right. 

Despite his countless public and political responsibilities, 

when we were together he was ours and we were his. No 

grandfather could have been more available and more attentive. 

When I sat with my cousins to talk about what we should 

say about Grandpa EXON we all agreed on one particular, 

spectacular point. It was interesting to us, but not that imVerDate jan 13 2004 14:36 Nov 15, 2005 Jkt 022900 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 C:\DOCS\EXON\22900.TXT CRS1 PsN: SKAYNE
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portant that our grandfather was well known and had lots 

of powerful and famous friends. What was most important to 

us was clearly that Grandpa EXON had a direct line to the 

big man himself, Santa Claus. It is hard to imagine a Christmas more magical than the EXON family Christmas, and for 

my grandparents the magic was in the details. Every year 

was the same—dinner with ham, and shrimp, and oyster 

stew, which as children we never ate. I don’t know who does 

eat oyster stew. My grandpa did. After dinner, Grandpa 

would load us up in the car and we would drive around listening to Christmas carols and looking for Santa Claus. Any 

blinking red light in the sky might have been a sign of him, 

and somehow magically every year Santa found the EXON

house just when we had been away looking for him. We 

would pull into the driveway, pour out of the car, and race 

to the basement to try to catch a glimpse of him and his 

sleigh taking off from the backyard. Each of us remember a 

different memento left by Santa. One year, the dogs had bitten off pieces of his pants and were running around with red 

velvet squares. Another year, we had to wait a painful eternity while Grandpa vacuumed up the ashes that Santa had 

tracked from the fireplace down every stair to the Christmas 

tree in the basement. Grandpa EXON believed in the magic 

of Christmas and the best gift he ever gave us was a little 

piece of that magic which we are now handing down to the 

next generation of EXON great-grandchildren. 

For a man who had such responsibilities to so many people 

my Grandpa EXON maintained an extraordinary connection 

to playfulness and fun. He loved silly movies and theme 

parks. In fact, he really loved theme parks, especially Disney 

World which has been a pilgrimage for our families for as 

long as I can remember. One of my favorite Grandpa EXON

memories could have been straight out of a scene from Chevy 

Chase’s Vacation. It was New Year’s Eve and we were headed to Disney World. Two van loads of EXON kids and 

grandkids. Grandpa had tuned into Disney radio and was 

singing at the top of his lungs to his all time favorite ‘‘Yo Ho, 

Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.’’ In the middle of his rendition, 

our mini-van cruised under a highway sign which stated 

simply ‘‘Disney World Closed.’’ Just like the Griswolds in Vacation, Grandpa would not take closed for an answer and 

tried to pull some senatorial strings to get us into Disney 

World which was closed because it was at capacity and 

would probably have been a miserable place to spend the 

day. After a family conference we decided to spend the day 

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at Disney MGM Studios and had a great New Year’s Eve. 

But I knew that Grandpa was secretly sad that we never 

made it to the Pirates of the Caribbean. Grandpa EXON’s 

commitment to his family was clearly the top priority in his 

life. 

My cousin Lindsay remembers that as a child she knew he 

was a Senator but was not aware that he lived in Washington, DC, because he came home every weekend to be with 

his family. In recent years, it has been a joy to see how his 

commitment to family and children was shared to the newest 

EXON generation, the great-grandchildren, Sheridan, Molly, 

Delaney, Grant, Seamus, Belle, and Stephen. The littlest 

EXONs will remember their great grandfather’s signature 

tickle sound and the monster Grandpastein. 

There are two important family members who could not be 

here with us today to celebrate Grandpa’s amazing life. The 

first is my cousin Evan, who is having an adventure of a lifetime across Europe. He was concerned about leaving when 

Grandpa was sick, but Grandpa insisted that he continue on 

with his adventure. His favorite Grandpa memories are of 

Cardinal baseball games which they attended together, most 

notably, the series in which Mark McGwire hit his 61st and 

62d homeruns to break the all-time record. The second person is my wonderful Grandma Pat who shared nearly 62 

years with the man of her dreams. Grandma is living with 

Alzheimer’s disease and Grandpa spent the last years of his 

life lovingly caring for her. The blessing of her disease is that 

she has been spared the grief of his passing, but she is well. 

Her sense of humor is still very much intact and she enjoys 

spending time with her family. 

The outpouring of love and support from the whole State 

of Nebraska has been overwhelming and gratifying for the 

entire EXON family. We have come together to celebrate and 

say goodbye to our father and grandfather, but we have been 

so amazed to realize how important and loved he was by so 

many people. The magic of the man was that he made everyone, the citizens of Nebraska, and each member of his family 

feel valued and important and we cherish the love, respect, 

and goodwill which is his legacy. 

First Reading—Isaiah 25:6–9 

MARK BOWEN (former aide). A reading from Isaiah. 

On this mountain the Lord of Hosts will make for all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, of fat 

things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well refined. And 

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he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast 

over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He 

will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe 

away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he 

will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. 

It will be said on that day. ‘‘Lo, this is our God; we have 

waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we 

have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’’ 

The word of the Lord. 

Second Reading—Romans 8:14–19, 34–35, 37–39 

Brother LEO WILLETT. A reading from the Book of Romans. 

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into 

fear. But you received a spirit of adoption, through which we 

cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself bears witness with our 

spirit, that we are children of God. And if children then 

heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. If only we 

suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as 

nothing compared with the glory that will be revealed for us. 

For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of 

the children of God. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus 

who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand 

of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us 

from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or the peril, or sword? No, in 

all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him 

who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future 

things, nor powers, nor heights, nor depths, nor any other 

creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in 

Christ Jesus our Lord. 

The word of God. 

Thanks be to God. 

On Eagles Wings, Brent Smith, vocalist; Marcia Wiebers, pianist 

Gospel Reading 

Father SAM BOMAN. Please stand. 

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to 

John. 

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Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe 

also in me. In my father’s house there are many dwelling 

places, if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to 

prepare a place for you. And If I go and prepare a place for 

you, I will come again, and will receive you unto myself, that 

where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way 

to the place where I am going. Thomas said to him, ‘‘Lord, 

we do not know where you are going; how can we know the 

way?’’ Jesus said to him, ‘‘I am the way and the truth, and 

the life; no one comes to the Father, except through me.’’ 

The Gospel of the Lord. 

Sermon 

Father SAM BOMAN. I have to start with something that I 

don’t have down here. This morning I was chatting with a 

neighbor, friend of ours as he was chopping up trees, and the 

conversation came to my being here this afternoon and he 

said, ‘‘I think he was an OK guy.’’ This was a retired truckdriver, and he said, ‘‘I did not always agree with him, but 

as they go I think he was one of the best.’’ So I think that 

is a tribute. But I do not know how that rests with the rest 

of you who are in elected office. 

As far as I know, the first time I met JIM it was in North 

Platte during his campaign for the governorship. When you 

are in small towns you get invited to pray for your meals a 

lot. And I was invited to offer the prayer for thanksgiving 

over the meal. I was impressed with him as a speaker and 

as a man. And over those years that we lived in North 

Platte, I was asked on more than one occasion to join the 

people gathered with him in a prayer of thanksgiving. Today, 

after decades I am honored that the family has invited me 

to celebrate in this way JIM’s life. Some of those years, I was 

the interim director of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Lincoln, which is his parish home. Although he was still in 

Washington most of the time, when he was in town I usually 

was in the foyer when he arrived and greeted him. He 

shared with the congregation hearing the reading of God’s 

word and the Holy Scriptures from which I preach the sermons. He participated in the prayers, and I gave him God’s 

gift in the Holy Communion. 

Today, in the presence of his earthly home we are recalling 

personal glimpses of his life and now we are sharing the 

readings and teachings of the Holy Scriptures and we will be 

joining in prayer and commending him and his life. I am 

struck with two things out of the Scriptures today. The first 

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is the covering, the veil that is cast over all people in which 

Isaiah speaks. Isaiah’s people knew well the ever-present 

edge to life that death brings not only to our body, but to our 

spirit and to our hope. The ever-present struggle of good and 

evil is portrayed to us so vividly in Tolkien’s ‘‘Ring Trilogy,’’ 

as well as in ‘‘Star Trek.’’ And these resonate with us because in some way we know that curtain, that veil we have 

in our own lives, in our community, in our Nation, in our 

world. And even when it pushes away it returns. It may be 

like pushing a stick down into the mud. It keeps springing 

back at us, and the deeper we push the stick the more force 

it pushes back as it rises above the water. Today, the curtain 

of death in which Isaiah wrote, seems so far more real as one 

of us who has touched our lives is taken from our presence. 

And we then can recall and identify with the words of one 

of our clergy, John Donne, long-time dean of Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London; ‘‘Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for 

thee.’’ In each of us as another dies, a part of us dies too. 

The second thing I want to think about is the feast. Isaiah 

writes, ‘‘a feast of fat things, a feast of wine on the lees, a 

feast of fat things full of marrow.’’ A feast prepared, as Isaiah writes, ‘‘because God is going to destroy on this mountain 

. . . the veil that is cast over all nations. He will swallow 

death forever.’’ And this is the hope Isaiah brought to a nation defeated and discouraged in order to restore for them 

the hope that is the faithfulness of God. Jesus continued this 

promise as he spoke to his disciples as they faced his coming 

death. ‘‘In my house there are many rooms, I go to prepare 

a place for you. I will come for you, that where I am you will 

be also.’’ And as we can see by the response by Thomas, their 

minds cannot comprehend what this will be. Nor, can we 

wrap our minds around this. He is our only reference point. 

He has and is leading the way somewhat like some of our 

historic generals who have gone on to lead with their troops. 

It is this promise of victory which weaves its thread 

through the Holy Scripture. It is the promise of eventual victory over the forces of evil that eat at the lives of people. It 

is the promise that can lead a man or woman to offer to 

work in the institutions of government to attempt to walk 

the minefield of greed and fame all the while keeping in 

mind the promise of God to all persons and all nations. Keep 

in mind that God has promised us a victory that even the 

ultimate defeat of this world, death, cannot take away. Paul 

wrote of the strength of that promise and hope when he 

wrote these words we heard in his Letter to the Romans 

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today. Not only does the promise of victory come, but none 

of the things and none of the forces can separate us from the 

love of God, nor can they stop the eventual coming of that 

victory. So, as Jesus told his disciples, ‘‘Let not your hearts 

be troubled,’’ we are not to let our hearts be troubled because 

of JIM’s death, nor the possibility of our own death, or of our 

own failures, or the fear of the failure of God to bring about 

his purpose for us. Recall, the first question raised by Paul 

in that passage, ‘‘Who shall separate us from the love of 

Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword?’’ Recall then the answer 

he makes, ‘‘No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us, for I am sure that neither 

death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things 

present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor 

depths, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’’ 

Walk away from these halls today, moving toward the day 

that when that veil is taken away completely. Walk from 

these halls today in expectation of the feast of victory God 

promised to all nations. Walk from these halls today empowered by the promise spirit of God which works in us that 

which is well pleasing in his sight. 

Amen. 

Apostle’s Creed 

Father SAM BOMAN. I ask you to stand. 

What we are about to do is an option. I do not want to embarrass anybody or ask anybody to do something they cannot 

do. But, if you wish to join me in the Creed on the first page 

of your program you may do so in the assurance that eternal 

life is given at baptism. Let us proclaim our faith and say 

together: 

ALL. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: 

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin 

Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and 

was buried. 

He descended into hell. 

The third day He rose again from the dead. 

He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God 

the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. 

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I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the 

Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. 

Amen. 

Father SAM BOMAN. You may be seated. 

The Lord’s Prayer, Brent Smith, vocalist; Marcia Wiebers, pianist 

Closing Prayers 

Father SAM BOMAN. In response to these closing prayers, 

at the pause would you respond please with ‘‘Hear us Lord.’’ 

For our brother JIM, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ 

who said; ‘‘I am resurrection and I am life.’’ Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress, draw near to us 

who mourn for JIM and dry the tears of those who weep. 

Hear us Lord. 

You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend. Comfort us 

in our sorrow. 

Hear us Lord. 

You raised the dead to life, give to our brother eternal life. 

Hear us Lord. 

You promised paradise to the thief who repented, bring 

our brother to the joys of Heaven. 

Hear us Lord. 

Our brother was washed in baptism and was anointed 

with the Holy Spirit, give him fellowship with all your 

Saints. 

Hear us Lord. 

He was nourished with your body and blood, grant him a 

place at the table in your heavenly Kingdom. 

Hear us Lord. 

Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother, let 

our faith be our consolation and our eternal life our hope. 

Hear us Lord. 

Would you stand, please. 

Father of all, we pray to you for JAMES and for all those 

whom we loved and may see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest, let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul 

and the souls of all the departed to the mercy of God rest 

in peace. 

Amen. 

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And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, 

and the Holy Spirit be upon you today and forever. 

Amen. 

Recessional: Happy Days are Here Again, performed by Plymouth Brass 

Æ