Approximately 2,300 people packed the DeYor Performing Arts Center to celebrate the life of former Valley Congressman Jim Traficant.

People were willing to wait in line for up to two hours just to get a front row seat to the program.

The often controversial ex-congressman and former sheriff who's fighting spirit made him a champion for the working class -- died back on September 27th, after a tractor accident on his family's farm.

Ann Curtin of Hubbard says she had to be here, "Because if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have a pension. I retired from the air base and you know they tried to close that so many times, and he fought for us, he fought for everybody. I just loved him and that's why I'm here."

The thousands who came left messages to let his family know how much they care. Others cruised down memory lane looking at memorabilia from Traficant's life including his vintage clothing and art work.

Lynn Jaksetich of Struthers tells 21 News, "I admire the fact that he was never systemized, he was always true to his own self."

Among those who paid tribute to Traficant's life, sports legends Mike Ditka and Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, news anchor Greta Van Susteren, and a host of political figures.

...And then there were those who were there to remind the public about Traficant's contributions during his years in the U.S. House. Including the Covelli Center, two federal courthouses, and additions to the air reserve base.

Attorney Mark Mangie, "When the Chamber of Commerce brings potential businesses to Youngstown it is nice to have all the facts and statistics. But what the business executives actually see is downtown Youngstown, and the foundation for what they see today came from a Youngstown original Congressman James Traficant."