We are sorry to report that James "Jim" Mollen was killed in Iraq on Wednesday. Jim had been on a voluntary State Department assignment to help re-build Iraq's education infrastructure for the past year. He was driving alone outside the "Green Zone," coming back from Baghdad University when gunmen in another vehicle shot him and killed him instantly. He was 48 years old.

Eric Tanenblatt, the 2000 Chairman for President Bush's Georgia organization had this to say in remembrance of Jim: "Jim was a dedicated volunteer in the 2000 Bush for President campaign. He was one of the early supporters of the President and helped build the statewide grassroots organization for the Georgia campaign for George W. Bush. He helped create a statewide database of volunteers and establish a communications program to help us stay in touch with our grassroots organization. He gave an enormous amount of his free time assisting the campaign and always looked for ways in which the campaign could broaden its base of support. He was active in the Atlanta community with Hands On Atlanta as well as numerous community service organizations."

"Jim was our 'star' volunteer in 2000 and his service was recognized by his appointment in the Bush Adminstration following the election. He was always committed to helping others and I remember having lengthy discussions with him about his interests in the Peace Corps, USAID and the State Department. He wanted to serve our President and country by helping others. He was truly dedicated to make life better for others. He died while serving our country, a country he loved so much. He will be missed and I am honored to have had the privilege of knowing him," Tanenblatt said.

State Representative Jill Chambers, who was Chairman of the DeKalb Republican Party in 2000, had this to say about Jim: "Jim was a very dedicated Republican party volunteer, especially when I was chairman. We were all excited when Jim got his appointment in Washington, D.C. and when he got his assignment in Iraq. He wrote many e-mails from Iraq, telling us of his life there. He will be missed. I extend my condolences to his family," Chambers said.

Jim was also a 2001 graduate of the Coverdell Leadership Institute ("CLI"). Susan Weiner, who was Executive Director of CLI back then, had this to say about Jim: "He loved what he was doing. He believed he was really helping. He wanted to be there," Weiner said. "We've lost a leader."

Jim was originally from Binghamton, NY where his parents and two brothers still live. He was scheduled to return home this Christmas.

In a written statement, Secretary of State Colin Powell stated: "Jim's sacrifice will not be in vain. His State Department colleagues and the American people will not waiver in their commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Iraq."

For more information on Jim's life and family, Click Here for Jim's hometown newspaper coverage of him.