SR2063 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR2063 LRB099 22436 GRL 49856 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Edward Gallagher, who passed away on May 18, 2016; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher was born on February 18, 1926; his parents were Albert and Catherine Gallagher; he married Mary Jean Bure on January 30, 1954; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher graduated from Waukegan High School; he later attended the Conservatory of Music in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator in Iran, Turkey, and the Persian Gulf; he was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars #1293 for over 60 years; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher was a Local 63 Ironworker, but could perform most any trade; he worked in the family business, the McKinney Harrington Conveyor Company; in 1966, he co-founded the North Chicago Iron Works; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher played piano, saxophone, and the clarinet, which he called his licorice stick; he played in a swing band at local dance halls and supper clubs while in high school; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher worked with his family at P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) for 25 years; he was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, Waukegan #731 for over 50 years and a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles; he and his sons also helped wheelchair-bound veterans to attend the church services at the Downey Veterans Hospital; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher was a member of St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church for 60 years; he was also a member of the Holy Name Society for over 50 years and was a bingo captain for many decades; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher enjoyed traveling with his family on many road trips throughout the world; he enjoyed dancing with his wife, especially polkas; he liked anything old and American-made, leading to his extensive collection of antique radios, cars, and motorcycles; he was also a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club, the Henderson Club, and the Antique Model T Club; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jean; his parents; his brother, Albert; and his grandchildren, Thomas, Joseph, and Brianna; and

WHEREAS, James Gallagher was the father of James, Mark (Darlene), Ruth Ann, Jean Marie (Kurt), Mary Elaine (Michael), John (Elaine), Diane Lynn (Andy), and Kate Lynn (Scotty); the brother-in-law of John (Dawn) Bure and Ruth Ann (Jack O'Brien); the grandfather of Kathy (Ramon), Steven (Cristi), Christopher, Sarah (Caleb), Megan (Chris), Kathleen (Brock), Christina, James, Daniel, Andrew, Caryn (Alex), Sean, Angelyn, Lynsey, Nicholas, Riley, Mikayla, and Curtis; the great-grandfather of Xavier, Abel, Ayden, Addison, Cassidy, Taylor, Lawrence, Olivia, Christopher, Connor, Cody, and Kevin; and the godfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend of many; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of James Edward Gallagher; and be it further

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