SR0769 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0769 LRB103 39334 JDS 69495 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois Senate President James "Pate" Philip, who passed away on November 21, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was the longest-serving Republican Senate President in State history, having been first elected to the position in 1993 and serving until 2003; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his political career, Sen. Philip proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, where he learned the importance and value of planning his work and working his plan; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was employed as the district sales manager for Pepperidge Farm Bakeries for 38 years; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip began his political career as Auditor of York Township in 1965; he also served as chairman of the DuPage County Republicans, building a grassroots political network that would become pivotal to Republican electoral victories up and down the ticket; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1966, where he served until he was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1974; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure as President of the Illinois Senate, Sen. Philip achieved many significant accomplishments, including maintaining responsible budgeting, increasing funding for education, introducing property tax caps, holding the line on taxes, improving the State's job climate, and supporting anti-crime laws; he was noted for his work in increasing public access to the legislative process, implementing governmental ethics reforms, and streamlining government; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip's tenure also saw a modernization of the chamber, including the use of computers on the Senate floor for the first time; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was known for his straightforward approach, which earned him the respect of legislators on both sides of the aisle, and he will be remembered for his often-colorful quips in the media and on the Senate floor; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was proud to be a lifelong resident of DuPage County and was active in numerous civic and charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was a life member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago, and he was given the honor of 33rd Degree Mason; he was also a life member of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Illinois Lodge #941, the Knights Templar, and the DuPage Shrine Club; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip was honored to serve on the board of Shriners Hospitals for Children and strongly supported its mission of caring for kids; and

WHEREAS, Sen. Philip is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nancy Louise; his stepsons, Randy and Kevin; his daughter, Cindi; his son, Jase; his sister, Zilpha; his grandchildren, Zachary Ramey, Alexandra Ramey, Christopher Ramey, Kiara Wallace, Darcy Wallace, Jayelyn Philip, and James Philip; his step-grandsons, Dakota Soria and Logan Soria; and his great-granddaughter, Alice Quinn Ramey; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of former Illinois Senate President James "Pate" Philip and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, 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 Sen. Philip as an expression of our deepest sympathy.