SR1275 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1275 LRB098 21636 MST 60460 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Edward Butler of Waukegan, who passed away on May 2, 2014; and

WHEREAS, James Butler was born in Jefferson County, Georgia on May 10, 1935 to Julia Mae (nee Thompson) Davis; upon the passing of his mother and step-father, Walter Davis, he was adopted by Roland and Helen Butler; he attended New Brighton High School, and, in 1954, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed on the destroyer USS Clarence K. Bronson DD-668; he received the Navy Occupation Service Medal "E" Clasp, the Good Conduct Medal, and was given an Honorable Discharge in 1958; and

WHEREAS, James Butler moved to North Chicago in 1971 and was employed at International Harvester in Libertyville; he also worked as a carpenter and remodeled many homes in Lake County; and

WHEREAS, James Butler enjoyed fishing, playing cards with friends, and spending time with his family; he traveled extensively throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, James Butler was preceded in death by his mother; stepfather; adoptive parents; wife, Evelyn Bray Butler; step-daughter, Sonia Pherris Webb; long-time friend and companion, Viola Truitt Jackson; and his aunt, Annie Jessie Thompson Turner; and

WHEREAS, James Butler is survived by his step-sons, LaMonte Bray and Muricle Bray; cousins, Eula Rodgers, Isaiah (Constella) Turner, Susie Fisher, and Samuel (Marsha) Turner; and a host of other relatives and dear friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James Edward Butler, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Butler as an expression of our deepest sympathy.