James McClure
James A. McClure, a Representative and a Senator from Idaho, was born December 27, 1924 in Payette, Idaho, where he attended the public schools of Payette. Following Navy service during WWII, he earned his law degree form the University of Idaho in 1950. He practiced law with his father in Payette and was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Payette County. In 1951, he was also elected City Attorney for Payette. He is past president of the Payette Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Payette Kiwanis Club and a member of the Masons and Elks. Elected to the Idaho Senate in 1960, Senator McClure served three terms. During his third term, he served also as Assistance Majority Leader. In 1966, he was elected to Congress from the First Congressional District, a position he held for three terms. He served on the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee and as Chairman of the House Republican Task Force on Energy. Mr. McClure was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 and was re-elected in 1978 and 1984. He was chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1981 to 1987 and was the committee’s ranking Republican. He served on the Appropriations Committee and was ranking Republican on its Interior subcommittee. In addition, he was on the Senate Rules Committee, the Senate Steering Committee, and the Helsinki Commission on Human Rights. After retiring from the U.S. Senate in 1990, Jim and his wife Louise were able to spend more time at their residence in McCall, which they enjoy and love.They reside in Boise, as well. Jim continued working in a business, McClure, Gerrard and Neuenschwander, which he formed with two of his trusted employees in Washington, DC. Senator McClure’s wisdom is invaluable and he remains active, serving on many boards of directors, and foundations. Recently a new federal building was named for him in Boise. He and his wife Louise have three children, Marilyn, Ken, and Dave, and several grandchildren. United States Senator Mike Crapo employs Emily, Senator McClure’s oldest grandchild.
By Dee Klenck |
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