Thomas Massie: “I thank Mr. Price for yielding. Mr. Speaker, our colleague and my great friend, Walter Jones, was both courageous and…”

“I thank Mr. Price for yielding. Mr. Speaker, our colleague and my great friend, Walter Jones, was both courageous and kind. He frequently quoted a statement by Senator John Ashcroft's father: ``Washington is the spirit of arrogance, and Christ is the spirit of humility.'' Walter had the spirit of Christ. It didn't matter if you were a waiter at his table, a summer intern in his office, or the chairman of his committee, Walter extended the same respect to everyone. In his heart, he never believed that he was any better than the most common person. Walter's chief, Josh, who has been with him for 16 years, reminded me that some people in Washington, DC, kiss up and punch down. Walter often did the opposite. Walter would kiss down and punch up. He was a statesman and a true southern gentleman who followed his heart while fighting for his constituents. Whether you agreed with him or not, Walter displayed the type of courage we could all hope to possess. He was willing to admit when he was wrong, like that time he devoted to Jimmy Carter. He would admit it in front of God, his colleagues, and his 750,000 constituents. That is true courage. Walter's conscience guided his every vote and action in the 6 years that I knew him. 11,266: that is the final number of letters that Walter Jones personally wrote, offering his apologies and condolences to the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the wars in the Middle East.…”