James S. Brady (Kappa Kappa/Illinois 62), former Reagan Press Secretary, enters the Chapter Eternal My Brother, I am deeply saddened to share the news that Brother and Significant Sig Jim Brady - President Ronald Reagans Press Secretary - passed away earlier today. He became a Sigma Chi at the University of Illinois, and we have been told that he surrounded himself with his Sigma Chi memorabilia and materials during the last days of his life, saying that he was most comfortable in his Sigma Chi blanket. Brady, who spent much of his life in a wheel chair, died today at a retirement community in Alexandria, Virginia, where he and his wife, Sarah, lived. The witty, affable press secretary survived a devastating head wound in the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan. He went on to champion gun control. The 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act bears his name. Jim suffered a bullet wound to his head in the assassination attempt outside the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981. Although he returned to the White House only briefly, he was allowed to keep the title of presidential press secretary and his full White House salary until Reagan left office in January 1989. Jim never regained full health. The shooting caused brain damage, partial paralysis, short-term memory impairment, slurred speech and constant pain. President Clinton awarded Brady the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, and in 2000 the press briefing room at the White House was name for Jim. Here is a picture taken during a visit at the White House Brother Bruce Casner arranged for 49th Grand Consul Jack McDuff, Executive Secretary Bill Bringham, Sr. and two HQ Staffers who were in Washington for the DC Alumni Chapters Congressional Luncheon in March 1981 with Brother Brady just days prior to the assassination attempt. Brother Brady will be deeply missed. All Honor To His Name! In Hoc, P J Peter J. Stephens T T ‘71 Grand Praetor - Central Florida Sigma Chi Fraternity (407) 895-5436 - private (407) 325-5283 - mobile pjstephens@sigmachi Epsilon Sigma * Eta Iota * Eta Pi
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 23:37:04 +0000
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