Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-23

REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN

Rand Paul

RKY · Senator

Labor

Context

On 2026-09-23, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN" in the Senate.

Full Text

REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4916] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN Mr. PAUL. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and memory of James Edward Joseph Brueggemann, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and man of deep faith who passed away on August 15, 2026. James, known affectionately as ``Jim'' to those who knew him, was born on February 22, 1960, to Bernard and Rita Brueggemann. He was the third of their six children. Jim was raised in a family that instilled in him a strong Catholic faith, a profound sense of responsibility, and an enduring commitment to family and hard work. Those values became hallmarks of Jim's life. He devoted himself to his family and to the family business Bavarian Trucking, where he carried forward the work ethic and sense of duty that had been passed down to him by his parents. Jim's life was defined not simply by his work, but by the people he loved. He was a devoted husband to his wife Maria, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He is survived by Maria, their 16 children, 46 grandchildren and counting, and his siblings. His faith was central to the way Jim lived his life. Even as his health declined, he remained devoted to the Catholic faith. His family recounts that shortly before his passing, Jim went to Confession, received Holy Communion, the Apostolic Blessing, and Extreme Unction. Later, he told his wife, ``I am ready to go.'' Jim passed away the following morning, surrounded by his wife, children, siblings, and loved ones. The story of Jim Brueggemann is ultimately a story of faith, family, perseverance, and service. He leaves behind a large and loving family whose lives were shaped by his example and whose memories of him will endure for generations. Northern Kentucky has lost a respected member of its community, but Jim's greatest legacy will not be measured by a business or an accomplishment. It will be measured by the family he loved, the values he lived, the faith he cherished, and the example he provided to those who had the privilege of knowing him. I extend my deepest condolences to Maria Brueggemann, Jim's children and grandchildren, his brothers and sister, and all of his extended family and friends. ____________________

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REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4916] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING JAMES BRUEGGEMANN Mr. PAUL. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life and memory of James Edward Joseph Brueggemann, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and man of deep faith who passed away on August 15, 2026. James, known affectionately as ``Jim'' to those who knew him, was born on February 22, 1960, to Bernard and Rita Brueggemann. He was the third of their six children. Jim was raised in a family that instilled in him a strong Catholic faith, a profound sense of responsibility, and an enduring commitment to family and hard work. Those values became hallmarks of Jim's life. He devoted himself to his family and to the family business Bavarian Trucking, where he carried forward the work ethic and sense of duty that had been passed down to him by his parents. Jim's life was defined not simply by his work, but by the people he loved. He was a devoted husband to his wife Maria, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He is survived by Maria, their 16 children, 46 grandchildren and counting, and his siblings. His faith was central to the way Jim lived his life. Even as his health declined, he remained devoted to the Catholic faith. His family recounts that shortly before his passing, Jim went to Confession, received Holy Communion, the Apostolic Blessing, and Extreme Unction. Later, he told his wife, ``I am ready to go.'' Jim passed away the following morning, surrounded by his wife, children, siblings, and loved ones. The story of Jim Brueggemann is ultimately a story of faith, family, perseverance, and service. He leaves behind a large and loving family whose lives were shaped by his example and whose memories of him will endure for generations. Northern Kentucky has lost a respected member of its community, but Jim's greatest legacy will not be measured by a business or an accomplishment. It will be measured by the family he loved, the values he lived, the faith he cherished, and the example he provided to those who had the privilege of knowing him. I extend my deepest condolences to Maria Brueggemann, Jim's children and grandchildren, his brothers and sister, and all of his extended family and friends. ____________________