The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES MATZORKIS
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HON. MARK DeSAULNIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congresswoman Barbara Lee, to recognize the life of James ``Jim'' Matzorkis.
Born in Chicago in 1952, Jim moved with his parents to California as a child. He later graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. After gaining experience in both the private and public sectors, Jim began working for the Port of Richmond in 1998 as a Marketing Manager and became the Executive Director in 2001. One of Jim's many accomplishments is completing the Honda Port of Entry, which brought significant profitability to the Port. As a testament to Jim's leadership, out of the 149 ports in the United States, the Port of Richmond is currently ranked 27th in total trade. The Port has generated millions of dollars in revenue for the City of Richmond and brought local and international business to our community.
Jim's professional knowledge and dedication led to him serving on the Bay Planning Coalition Board of Directors and the California Association of Port Authorities Executive Advisory Committee. He also participated in Richmond's sister cities program and helped facilitate a strong and lasting relationship with Zhoushan, China, one of Richmond's three sister cities.
In his personal life, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Beverly, and the couple had two daughters. He was known as the patriarch of his family, organizing family reunions and ensuring everyone stayed connected. He loved to travel, especially to Greece where his family would all come together. Jim also enjoyed regaling others with stories from his time working as a concert promoter and security in the rock and roll industry.
Sadly, at just 68 years old, Jim passed away at his home in Oakland, California in December 2020. Jim is remembered by his friends and colleagues as kind and enthusiastic, and someone who made sure everyone around him was happy. Please join me and Congresswoman Barbara Lee in honoring James Matzorkis for his many contributions to our community.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 59
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