James H. Quillen - Kingsport, TN - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

Jimmy understood the phrase that "all politics is local", so provided excellent service as a representative for the 1st TN district, while only sponsoring three pieces of original federal legislation during his long tenure. Quillen served on the House Rules Committee, which gave him influence. Rep. Quillen also understood the benefit of federal largess, with some directed to help his own business groups. (My neighborhood had to lobby to have a proposed $5M interstate interchange moved three miles from the shopping center he was going to develop to the industrial park created by the city. Of the total estimated cost, $1M was going to be for sound deflection.)

A nationally famous situation for Rep. Quillen was during the debate for the TVA Tellico Dam. To illustrate how easily overlooked was the snail darter, a small fish, Jimmy had one put into his clear water pitcher during the committee debate. Minutes into the session was the fish finally noticed. His point later was that the the fish could get along just as well whether the dam was there or not.

Another story told at his retirement was that Rep. Quillen requested on a bill to have more than a five minute comment period since Southern gentlemen talked slower than those from the North.

Description: Jimmy Quillen was the longest continuous U.S. representative in Tennessee history, servicing the 1st District in northeast Tennessee. Date of birth: 01/11/1916 Date of death: 11/02/2003 Area of notoriety: Politics Marker Type: Headstone Setting: Outdoor Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link] Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Not listed

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