William F. Smith: “many great Americans have served in this House; men and women of conviction who represented their constituents with…”

“many great Americans have served in this House; men and women of conviction who represented their constituents with integrity, energy and devotion to assuring the American dream becomes a reality for all. Few Members of Congress have served with such unbridled enthusiasm, such untiring good humor and such true pleasure in the task as did my late colleague from Texas, Jake Pickle. Jake's passing last month at the age of 91 was, in many ways, the end of an era in Texas history. A longtime confidant of President Lyndon Johnson, Jake represented the 10th District of Texas for 31 years. During that long tenure, he set an enviable record for constituent service and responsiveness. No constituent concern or problem was too small for Jake's attention. Jake loved this House and took seriously his responsibility to uphold the integrity of the institution and the responsibilities of representative government. Sometimes his enthusiasm was expressed in his tireless work for legislation. At other times, it was expressed in his support for his beloved University of Texas Longhorns. And at other times, it was expressed in a quiet talk with a troubled constituent he encountered on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. It is most fitting that Jake's funeral service was conducted in his church that stands in the shadow of the dome of the Texas State Capitol. And it is fitting that he rests now in the Texas State Cemetery with other leaders of the Lone Star State.…”