HR0513 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0513 LRB097 13273 GRL 57787 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of James B. Wham, who passed away on May 20, 2011; and

WHEREAS, James Wham was born on October 10, 1918, to Charles and Pauline (Bundy) Wham; he married Phyllis Wright in 1942; and

WHEREAS, In 1942, after one year of law school, James Wham was drafted as a private in the United States Army Air Corps; he served in various leadership positions in the 62nd Troop Carrier Group in England, North Africa, Sicily, and Italy; he earned a commendation for "the exemplary manner in which he performed his duties in the 62nd Group" and was awarded the Bronze Star; he was honorably discharged from active duty at the rank of major on December 30, 1945; and

WHEREAS, James Wham received his Juris Doctor degree in December of 1946 from the University of Illinois College of Law; he subsequently joined his family's law practice in Centralia; he was well known throughout the State of Illinois for his impeccable integrity and incredible talent; and

WHEREAS, James Wham served as a Judge of the Illinois Court of Claims for eight years; he also served as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Illinois for eight years; and

WHEREAS, James Wham was the recipient of many honors, including the 1998 General Practice Section Tradition of Excellence Award; he was inducted into the 2004 Class of Laureates of the Illinois State Bar Association, which was founded to recognize Illinois lawyers who personify the greatness of the legal profession; he was also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers; and

WHEREAS, James Wham was a prolific writer and eloquent speaker on the subjects of the American flag and freedom; his rousing patriotic speeches made him a much sought-after speaker for many occasions; he never turned down an opportunity to promote American principles, the American flag, and veterans issues; in 1990, he ran for Congress on the Jim Wham for Congress and the Flag ticket to dramatize the need for a constitutional amendment to protect the flag from desecration; and

WHEREAS, James Wham volunteered thousands of hours to matters that affected his hometown of Centralia; he remained actively involved in his church and community until his passing; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of James B. Wham; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Wham as an expression of our sympathy.