The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LEGACY OF JAMES MERIMON PAINTER
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HON. TED BUDD
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of James Merimon Painter, who passed away in Prospect Hill, North Carolina on October 23, 2021.
James Painter spent his entire life advocating for and serving the community he loved. From helping his parents on their farm during the Great Depression, to advising the Caswell Vocational Commission Services and the Caswell Civic Center Committees, Painter was one who truly put his community before himself.
James took his knowledge of farming with him to the United States Navy where he was selected to lead a farming unit on the Mariana Island of Tinian to feed American Gls in the Pacific. While serving, he sustained serious injuries from sniper fire; and on a separate occasion, his tractor ran over a land-mine. Following the incident, Mr. Painter jokingly said, ``that was a waste of a perfectly good tractor.''
After the war, James returned to his cattle farm and got married to his wife of 55 years--Ms. Josephine ``Jo'' Murchison. While predominantly raising beef cattle and grain, he served his community as the President of the Caswell County Farm Bureau, a position he proudly held for 17 years. Additionally, he was a member of the NC Farm Bureau Federation Board for 23 years. He won several different agriculture awards over the years--most notably being named ``Cattleman of the Year'' in 1975--while his family received the Soil and Water Conservation Farm Family award of 1979.
In describing Mr. Painter's life, Caswell County Farm Bureau colleague Lucas Bernard wrote that, ``James Painter will be remembered for his service to his community, Caswell County agriculture, and his nation. He has been an inspiration to me by seeing and hearing about his dedication to farming and agriculture locally, as well as overseas during WWII.''
James Painter was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, and is survived by his nieces and nephews. The Caswell County community has lost a great soul, advocate, and gentleman with Mr. Painter's passing. May he forever rest in peace.
Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring James Merimon Painter for his service to his community and his sacrifice for this Nation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(2)
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