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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING JAMES M. BOSWELL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
______
HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th
birthday of a veteran, neighbor, father, dedicated man of faith, and
friend to many, Mr. James Boswell. Mr. Boswell is a lifelong resident
of Wilson, North Carolina.
James Marshall Boswell was born on February 2, 1919 in Wilson, North
Carolina. His parents taught him and his three brothers to work hard,
although neither his mother nor father had more than a fifth grade
education. His father supported the family as a factory worker. Mr.
Boswell recalls him sharing two double beds with his three brothers in
their rented home. He would later go to work with his father at the
wagon factory where he would perform hard manual labor for 40 hours a
week, earning $12 per week. He worked at the factory until a friend
offered him a job at a drive-in making $15 a week. In 1938, James wed
his beloved wife, Alma ``Mozelle'' Woodall Boswell. They were married
for 76 years until her passing in 2014.
Mr. Boswell was working for the FBI in Washington, D.C. when Japan
attacked the United States in 1941. Mr. Boswell felt it was his duty to
serve his country, so he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at the start of
World War II. He qualified to fly the new B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew
51 combat missions throughout Italy, France, Czechoslovakia,
Yugoslavia, Hungary, Greece, Germany, and Austria during his three
years of service. Mr. Boswell credits the Tuskegee Airmen for his
crews' safe returns, and says he remained in contact with many of them
for several years after returning home.
James Boswell's three brothers also served our country with honor.
The youngest, Harvey, served as a Merchant Marine. George Boswell
served with the 8th and 9th Air Forces in Europe during World War II.
Delmar was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne.
Having worked most of his life, James Boswell returned home to Wilson
where he opened a grocery store, the Super Food Center, located on
Herring Avenue.
In addition to his service to our country, Mr. Boswell has selflessly
given of his time and efforts to work in his community, serving as a
Mason and Shriner for nearly 65 years. He is also a faithful member of
First Christian Church in Wilson, where he has held several positions
in leadership including chairman, elder, and deacon. Today, James
Boswell continues to drive himself to Faith Christian Church every
Sunday.
The most important thing to James Boswell has always been his family.
He has one daughter, Debby Boswell Keller of North Carolina, and one
son, James Boswell, Jr. of Illinois. In describing her father, Debby
stated, ``he is the most caring and giving person I know.''
James Boswell has lived an incredible life that, by the grace of God,
has spanned an entire century. His selfless and lifelong dedication to
his country and community are beyond remarkable, and he is truly an
inspiration and role model for us all. His love for his family,
friends, church, and community knows no bounds.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to such a dedicated and
honorable veteran. I am immensely proud to have Mr. James Marshall
Boswell as a constituent, and I wish him a very Happy 100th birthday.
May God continue to bless him and his family.
____________________
