HR0895 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0895 LRB101 22008 MST 73027 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of James "Jim" Addington of Westmont, who passed away on July 18, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington was a proud resident of the Village of Westmont for over 50 years; he and his wife Cathy were heavily involved in their local community, leaving Westmont all the better for their efforts; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington took on an incredible number of civic roles; he was a member of the Lions Club, where he served for many years as its president and a term as district governor; he made every effort to contribute to the success of future students with Lions Club scholarships and oversaw the dedication of a Lions Park in Westmont; he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, including as a local board member for 10 years; he was also involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Westmont Park District; he organized events that brought the Westmont community together across decades, including the Taste of Westmont, Red White and BBQ, Pow Wow Days, and Santa Claus for Holly Days; his involvement with local Westmont government included serving as co-chair of the Economic Development Commission and as chair of the Community Development Committee; he served on the Police Pension Board and the Police & Fire Commission and as village trustee and mayor; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington served as a passionate advocate for local parks, including securing legislation to improve nighttime safety; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington left his mark on Westmont's downtown core, shepherding the new village hall, Westmont Centre, the downtown Westmont Centre Plaza and Fountain, the downtown streetscape and lamps, and the creation of Westmont Main Street; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington left his mark on Westmont's character, leading by example and dedicating his life not to things but to people and community service, which has resulted in a significant benefit for the entire Westmont community and to those who visited and received a warm Westmont welcome from him; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington served as a friend and mentor to thousands of community leaders over the years and was always there to cheer them on to success, often to the same level of zest and enthusiasm he showed for the Westmont High School boys basketball team; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington's unwavering dedication to his community and to duty was confirmed by his attendance at a village trustee meeting from his hospital room shortly before his passing; and

WHEREAS, Jim Addington was devoted to and beloved by his family, including his son Jimmy and daughter-in-law Genie, his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Brian, and his grandchildren, Samantha, Chloe, Kristen, and Carolyn, who will keep his zest for life and his love for them forever in their hearts; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James "Jim" Addington, a man who represented the best of Westmont and the people of Illinois, and we 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 Addington as an expression of our deepest respect and sympathy.