SR1470 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1470 LRB100 21094 MST 36941 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John K. Jones of Champaign, who passed away February 26, 2018; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was born in Champaign to Richard J. and Mary E. Jones on August 18, 1950; he graduated first in his class at Centennial High School in 1968; he attended Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama for two years and then transferred to the University of Illinois as an accountancy undergraduate; he later studied in the Executive MBA program; he married Sandra (Day) Kauffmann in Champaign on December 22, 1984; and

WHEREAS, John Jones worked at Prospect Foods in treasury/finance operations; he was president of the Dewey State Bank and most recently was business manager of First United Methodist Church in Champaign; he also served as a director of the Fisher National Bank; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was active in the First United Methodist Church, where he served as assistant organist for many years and was in the Chancel Ringers handbell choir for over 35 years; he taught elementary Sunday school for almost 50 years and was commissioned as a Stephen Minister; he served on many church boards and committees, including church treasurer, Board of Trustees (chair), Finance Committee (chair), Council on Ministries (chair), and as assistant secretary-treasurer of the Church Foundation Board; most recently, the church honored him for his work in the business office upon the completion of their 12th Ark for Heifer International; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was active with the PTA at Washington and Franklin Middle School and served as president of the PTA at Washington Elementary School; he was a board member and past president of the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois and received the Hearts of Gold award in 2017; and

WHEREAS, John Jones volunteered for Empty Tomb Inc. and with Mission Match, where he served as treasurer; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was active with the Champaign chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and served on the board and as treasurer for many years; he also served on the board of the Cunningham Children's Home as chair of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Farm Committee and the Permanent Funds Committee; and

WHEREAS, John Jones was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffrey; and

WHEREAS, John Jones is survived by his wife, Sandra; his stepson, Brandon (Lori) Kauffmann; his daughter, MaryBess (Jason) Gordon; his grandchildren, Faith and Justus Melchi and Brooklyn and Westin Kauffmann; his siblings, Susan and Clyde; and his grandpuppies, Jules and Earnest; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John K. Jones, 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 John Jones as an expression of our deepest sympathy.