HR0987 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0987 LRB099 20365 MST 44842 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of J.P. "Buck" Gordon of Peoria, who passed away on January 31, 2016; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Gordon was born in Cruger, Mississippi to Willie and Ellen (nee Randle) Gordon on May 15, 1934; he was baptized at Gordon Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Cruger; he received his education at Meeks Elementary School in Cruger and Roosevelt Junior High School in Peoria, where he relocated to in 1950; he married Freida Barbara Ferguson on January 9, 1954; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Gordon worked as a machinist at Keystone Wire and Steel for over 27 years, retiring in 1985; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Gordon was a "Golden Member" (50 years) of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Peoria; he enjoyed fishing, gardening, hunting, bowling, and spending time with his family; he was an avid traveler and traveled throughout the United States with his wife by car; he often visited the sick, his sister, Art, and his favorite boys at the local McDonald's; he organized the first Gordon/Randle Reunion, and, at the 2010 reunion, he received an award for his leadership; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, J.P. Gordon is survived by his wife, Freida; his son, James Patrick Gordon; his 4 daughters, Deborah Gordon, Imogene (Jeanie) Simmons, Pamela Gordon, and Gwendolyn (Rene) Johnson; his sister, Willie Mae (Artis) Gordon Hopson; his 6 grandchildren, Robert Davis, Carthel Johnson, Dionne Gordon, Jamie Johnson, Jimmel Simmons, and Danielle Gordon; his 19 great-grandchildren; and his 2 great-great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of J.P. "Buck" Gordon, 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 J.P. Gordon as an expression of our deepest sympathy.