SR2124 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2124 LRB099 22708 MST 50137 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James E. Blair of Erie, who passed away on July 31, 2016; and

WHEREAS, James Blair was born in rural Scott County to James Harlie and Flora Belle Walker Blair on March 11, 1928; he served in the United States Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War; he married Jean Ann Rose at Erie Baptist Church on May 23, 1959; and

WHEREAS, James Blair worked in various industries, including 27 years at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline as a millwright; he was a commercial sign painter and artist and mechanic; and

WHEREAS, James Blair's hobbies included woodworking, general carpentry, and electrical projects; for many years, he helped with the Rose Farm apple business, selling apples and caring for approximately 24 trees; he was involved in building projects and sign painting at King's Camp in Chana and Newton Zion Reformed Church in rural Erie; he was an avid camper and loved spending time with his family and friends at King's Camp; and

WHEREAS, James Blair was a member of Newton Zion Reformed Church, where he served as an elder and deacon; he served on the board at his church, Resthave Home in Morrison, and King's Camp; he served as a troop leader for the Erie Boy Scout Troop 101 and was a United Auto Workers Local 865 member; and

WHEREAS, James Blair was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Timothy Lofgren; three brothers; and seven sisters; and

WHEREAS, James Blair is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Blair; his children, David (Marilyn) Blair, Kathy (Christopher) Lofgren, Carolyn Jean Blair, and Linda (Imad) Al-Suleiman; his grandchildren, David (Lindsie) Blair, Thomas (Angela) Blair, Aaron Blair, Monica (Markus) Underwood, Kelli (Andrew) Beall, Emili (Daniel) Utz, Rebecca Behnami, Matthew Behnami, Mohammed Al-Suleiman, Amirah Al-Suleiman, and Muhanned Al-Suleiman; and six great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

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