October 23, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 182 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING JOSEPH ``JACK'' MEEHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2020

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
life of Joseph ``Jack'' Meehan, who passed away recently at the age of 
88.
  Born and raised in San Francisco, Jack graduated from the University 
of San Francisco (USF) in 1954. Following service in the United States 
Army, Jack went to USF for law school; he earned his law degree in 
1959.
  In 1960, Jack joined the Alameda County District Attorney's (ACDA) 
Office. While there he created Point of View, a monthly publication, 
and Points and Authorities, a weekly video series, to help teach 
California prosecutors. He was recognized for his accomplishments by 
being presented with the 1978 Prosecutor of the Year award by the 
California District Attorneys Association (CDAA).
  In 1981 Jack was appointed Alameda County District Attorney. He was 
reelected unopposed in 1982, 1986, and 1990. He did not run for 
reelection in 1994.
  Jack was affectionately known as the ``Big Guy'' at the ACDA Office, 
beloved by all of his colleagues. His leadership, respect for our 
system of justice, and concern for victims of crime will be long-
remembered.
  It also should be noted that as district attorney Jack hired a young 
Kamala Harris, now a United States senator from California and the 
Democratic Party's nominee to be vice president of the United States, 
to be a deputy district attorney. Clearly he could spot talent when he 
saw it.
  Jack was well-recognized for his lifetime of career success and 
community service. USF awarded him its alumnus of the year award in 
1994, and four years later it created the John J. Meehan Alumni 
Fellowship to honor USF alumni who help develop young lawyers. CDAA 
created the John J. Meehan Career Prosecutor Award, to recognize 
lawyers for career achievement in criminal prosecution. And, in 2003, 
the Saint Thomas More Society of San Francisco present him with its 
Saint Thomas Moore award.
  While Jack had many professional successes, it was his family that 
mattered most. He and his wife, Janet, were married for 59 years, 
before she died in 2017. They had four children--sons John Matthew 
(``Matt''), James Patrick (``Jim''), and Mark Emmitt, and a daughter, 
Anne Marie (who passed away in 1968).
  It was mostly in San Rafael where Jack and Janet raised their family. 
There they hosted many a family event, at which Jack showed his talents 
for playing piano and bartending that he honed over the years.
  My deepest condolences go out to Jack's many family members and 
friends. He will be greatly missed.

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