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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Timothy M. Kennedy.
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March 24, 2026
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Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend, Mr. James E. Neenan, who passed away on January 30, at the age of 96.
character. His experiences as a young man helped to forge the values that would guide the rest of his days: hard work, humility, humor, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Army during the Korean war. Like so many veterans of his generation, Jim returned home not seeking recognition but simply the opportunity to build a life rooted in purpose and community.
and minds of all whom he encountered, reflecting the very best of the City of Good Neighbors, Buffalo, New York.
At St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, my alma mater, thousands of athletes, including myself, knew Jim as Coach Neenan. Although small in stature, he was a giant on the football field, teaching proper technique to young men, many of whom went on to successful collegiate careers and a number who went on to play in the NFL.
the fundamentals on the courts or on the field. He taught discipline, teamwork, and respect. Above all, he instilled in countless young men that character mattered more than the scoreboard.
the final whistle or graduation day. We remember a coach who listened and challenged us to be the best versions of ourselves.
that of being a husband, father, and grandfather. Jim shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Anita, a partnership built on love, loyalty, and mutual respect. Together, they raised three children, Jim, Mark, and Margaret, and took great joy in their grandson, Michael.
affection, the father who never missed a game or a milestone, and the grandfather who always had time for a round of golf or a Fighting Irish game on a Saturday afternoon.
Those who knew Jim also knew his remarkable energy and discipline. Even well into his later years, he remained committed to physical fitness, convinced that staying active was essential to living well. It was typical of Coach Neenan: always focused on improvement and always leading by example.
Those qualities carried over into his faith. After retiring, he made a habit of walking to church every day, a simple but powerful reflection of the humility and gratitude that defined his life and his devotion to the Lord.
regularly walking hand in hand through the neighborhood with his beautiful and loving wife, Anita.
Nation's highest virtues. Jim Neenan was one of those people: a veteran, neighbor, educator, coach, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a mentor whose influence echoes through generations of Marauders and families across western New York.
condolences to the Neenan family. May we all strive to live with the same humility, generosity, and resolve that defined Coach Neenan.
May James E. Neenan rest in peace.
Go St. Joe's.