SR0225 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0225 LRB096 12279 KXB 25097 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Smith of Mount Prospect, who passed away on March 26, 2009; and

WHEREAS, He was born September 29, 1936; he was well-known in Mount Prospect, having received the Shining Star Award for organizing the Pine-Wille Streets Marching Kazoo Irregulars, where he was referred to as the Grand Kazoo; the band was a kazoo-playing group of neighbors and friends, and a popular entry in the Village 4th of July parade for over three decades; and

WHEREAS, He was gentle, thoughtful, and spiritual; he was active in the St. Raymond ministry, having served on the parish council and on many teams for Christ Renews His Parish; he placed great value on his numerous friendships, some dating back to his early childhood in Skokie, where he attended St. Peter School and St. George High School; and

WHEREAS, After attending Loras College, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was assigned to the U.S.S. Kearsarge aircraft carrier; he was full of jokes and ideas on how to have fun; his flashlight walks were legendary; his popcorn-making talent was unmatched; and his great joy in sharing time with his grandchildren was unparalleled; and

WHEREAS, James Smith was the devoted husband of Pat (nee Holm), always on her team, supporting the many volunteer activities outside their home; they were married November 19, 1960; he was the beloved father of Drew (Lisa), Scot (Mary), Paul (Denise), and Mark (Jennifer); he was the cherished grandfather of Ian, Audie, Moira, Alec, Paige, Caroline, Lochlan, Seamus, Mirin, and Keegan; he was the loving son of the late Leo and late Jean Smith; the fond brother of the late Betty McDermott (Jack); and the dear brother-in-law of Nancy Kost (Peter); he leaves his niece, Christy Ausmus; his nephew, Mike Kost; his cousins, friends, and numerous extended family members upon whose life he had been a positive and caring influence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of James Smith; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Smith as a symbol of our sincere sympathy.