House Concurrent Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF CAPTAIN ALWIN MAX JUCHHEIM, JR., EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of Captain Alwin Max Juchheim, Jr., on November 29, 2014, to rest eternally; and

WHEREAS, Captain Juchheim spent his wonderful and fulfilled life in Grenada, Mississippi, where he excelled in academia throughout high school and during his tenure at Sunflower Junior College in Moorhead, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, he altruistically desired to defend and protect his country against the horrendous Axis Powers so he joined an illustrious group of individuals dedicated to providing freedom for all the citizens of the United States of America as Cadet Class 43C in Marion, Florida; and

WHEREAS, during his era in the military, through grit and unparalleled exertion, he transpired as an Army Air Corps fighter pilot in the 8th Air Force, 78th Fighter Group, 83rd Fighter Squadron flying P-47 Thunderbolts, where he outrivaled the enemy and became a double-ace-plus, meaning he had twelve confirmed kills and seven probables; and

WHEREAS, the numerous awards bestowed upon Captain Juchheim for his allegiance to the United States of America are some of the most prestigious and esteemed a fearless combatant can receive, including: the United States Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with silver clusters, Purple Heart, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, European Theatre of Operation Ribbon with one battle star and the French Battle Star Croix de Guerre Medal; and

WHEREAS, on May 28, 1944, a mid-air collision with a friendly fighter cost Captain Juchheim his freedom when the ruthless enemy foe captured him and constrained him into the bonds of confinement behind enemy lines as a prisoner of war; and

WHEREAS, never wavering in valor, strength, and fortitude, Captain Juchheim, with an impassioned zeal for life and its liberties, eluded the enemy and escaped the hegemony of the adversary to recapture the freedom stolen from him; and

WHEREAS, after facilitating victory for the United States in World War II, he shifted from an invaluable soldier to a priceless contributor to his community, serving as a businessman with his father at Juchheim Body Shop, a volunteer fireman, a Grenada City Councilman, a founding member of the Grenada Kiwanis Club and an enduring member of the First Baptist Church of Grenada; and

WHEREAS, one of Captain Juchheim's most memorable experiences occurred when the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight invited him to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which is an emblem erected in honor of the service of such selfless individuals as Captain Juchheim and his comrades who stood on the frontlines for our freedom, particularly those who evidenced the ultimate depths of patriotism with the sacrifice of their lives; and

WHEREAS, one would never say Captain Juchheim lacked appreciation for the phenomenons and blessings of his life, as he was known around Grenada as an encourager and motivator, always helping others understand the value of the treasures they were given and prompting all those he encountered to seize each day as if it was the last, as he was heard to state many times, "Freedom is not free"; and

WHEREAS, Captain Juchheim revered his family with all of his heart and realized they were a supreme and true gift from God; and

WHEREAS, to cherish his memory, he leaves his daughter, Pam Boyd (Bobby); two sons, Dr. Max Juchheim III (Elin) and Karl Juchheim; two sisters, Betty King and Dr. Freida Harter; four grandchildren, Rob Boyd, Max Juchheim IV, Elliott Juchheim, and Paige Juchheim; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the lives of fine Mississippians who have heroically and selflessly served the United States of America and provided the freedoms she enjoys today as epitomized in the life and enduring legacy of service of Captain Juchheim:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and service of Captain Alwin Max Juchheim, Jr., and extend deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Captain Alwin Max Juchheim, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.