SR1742 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1742 LRB099 21360 MST 47217 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jim Ekstrom of West Palm Beach, Florida, who passed away on February 22, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom was born in Geneva to Roger and June (Gregor) Ekstrom on October 14, 1954; he grew up in Wasco and attended local schools; he enlisted in the United States Army on July 17, 1972; he volunteered to go to Vietnam, but was assigned to a missile station as a Hercules Fire Control Crewman in Korea for a year; he was honorably discharged on July 16, 1974 but remained in the U.S. Army Reserve for several years; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom returned to civilian life and worked locally at several businesses and for the Campton Township; he married Debbie Tanner on March 31, 1985 and they settled in Idaho for a time; later, they moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom entered military service again on October 11, 1990 and fought in Desert Storm during the Gulf War; he returned home to Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 3, 1991; he moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2012 and worked at the VA Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom enjoyed fishing, target shooting, and spending time outdoors; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ekstrom is survived by his two daughters, Rebecca Ekstrom and Tara (Jonathan) McCarty; his three grandchildren, Robert Loudon, Gabrielle Loudon, and Maxwell McCarty; his four siblings, Gary (Kris) Ekstrom, Kathy (Bob) Lindsten, Jerry (Debbie) Ekstrom, and Penny Ekstrom; his former wife, Debbie Ekstrom; his two aunts, Doris Stewart and Gloria Gregor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jim Ekstrom, 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 Jim Ekstrom as an expression of our deepest sympathy.