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“TRIBUTE TO JAMES ROTHSTEIN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S17335 on Nov. 17, 1995.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JAMES ROTHSTEIN
Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to a great South Dakotan--James Rothstein. I was saddened to receive word that James passed away recently. He was my friend, and I will miss him.
James spent his life in the Midwest. Though born in Eden Valley, MN, and a high school student in Haynes, ND, James Rothstein spent most of his life in Mobridge, SD. He played a vital role in his community, where he served on many local and State boards. He dedicated his life to the development of his State and community. Indeed, James Rothstein was a leader who cared deeply about the people of South Dakota.
For years, James served in the South Dakota House of Representatives. He was a vocal member of the South Dakota legislature. In fact, he served as majority leader of the State House from 1969 until 1973.
James worked hard all his life. He devoted his time to building the economy in Mobridge. He helped the city grow, develop, and prosper. I am privileged to have known James. His leadership, good will, and service have inspired me in my own life. He will be missed.
Mr. President, the Sioux Falls, SD, Argus Leader newspaper recently printed an article praising James Rothstein's life-long accomplishments. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: James Rothstein Dies at 81; From Politics to Sales, He Fit in
(By Denise D. Tucker)
Mobridge--James Leland Rothstein maintained relationships with people from all walks of life. Rubbing elbows with farmers or governors, he fit in.
``He was a distinguished gentleman,'' said Rothstein's son, John of Mobridge.
Rothstein, 81, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 1995, at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.
Rothstein, described by his son as a humble man, enjoyed being with people.
``He was in the insurance business and he liked it because it put him in front of lots and lots of people,'' said John Rothstein.
Through his volunteer efforts, Rothstein was able to help and influence a number of lives. He volunteered for civic organizations and served in political office.
He was a member, past president and director of the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce; was past president and director of the Mobridge Community Hospital Association; was the cochairman of the Mobridge Community Hospital fund drive; was past president and board member of the Mobridge School district; chairman of the Walworth County School Board; past president, director and member of the Mobridge Rotary Club; founding member, past secretary and director of the Mobridge Rodeo Association; fund drive chairman for the Boy Scouts; chairman of the Walworth County Cancer Society; member of the Oahe Sportsman Club; past president and director of the Mobridge Country Club; and the Walworth County director for Radio Free Europe.
``He had a huge capacity for taking on chores,'' said Rothstein's son. ``He was a multidimensional person.''
Rothstein's political contributions included serving in the state Legislature from 1963 until 1974. He was voted outstanding freshman legislator in 1965. He served on various committees and was majority leader from 1969 to 1973 in the House of Representatives. He also served on the Transportation Department board from 1979 until 1992. He was inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Fame in 1993.
John Rothstein said his father decided young age that he wanted to do something that would make him a distinguished man. He was able to do so through his contributions.
Rothstein was born April 10, 1914, at Eden Valley, Minn. He moved with his family to Haynes N.D., and graduated from Haynes High School. He later moved to Bismarck, N.D., where he was employed by Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. as a salesman. In 1936, he moved to Aberdeen, where he was employed by Griggs-Cooper Co. as a salesman.
He married Lucille Adkins on July 20, 1938, in Aberdeen. They made their home there. In June 1940 he was transferred to Mobridge. In 1943, he resigned from the Griggs-Cooper Co. and began a career in insurance.
From April 26, 1944, until Dec. 10, 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy, during World War II. After his discharge, he began his association with Provident Life which lasted more than 50 years.
He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW and the Parker-Browder American Legion Post of Mobridge.
He was also a member of the Life Underwriters of South Dakota, Aberdeen Association and has received the National Quality Award for more than 35 years. He was honored as Boss of the Year by the Mobridge Jaycees in 1958. He became a charter member of the Provident Life Insurance Hall of Fame in 1976.
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