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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3to learn of the death of James "Jim" W. Lear of Springfield,
4who passed away on October 16, 2022; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Jim Lear was born to Ralph Foster and Hazel
6(Murphey) Lear in Tuscola on December 18, 1933; he married
7Virginia Ellen Reid; he was drafted in 1954 by the U.S. Army
8during the Korean War and served in Daegu, Pusan, and Ascon
9City for two years; he graduated from the University of
10Illinois in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science and studied in the
11Department of Health and Family Services; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Jim Lear worked for 30 years with the Illinois
13Department of Public Aid; he first worked in Tuscola and then
14with the Responsible Relative Program in Springfield, where he
15provided support for children in the state system; he was
16proud to be an executive in the development of the Illinois
17Food Stamps program and to oversee the decision making in
18related welfare programs; he enjoyed taking early retirement
19in 1991; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Jim Lear had a passion for engineering and
21technology and was always researching the latest in all things
22audio-visual or automotive; he even took a class to learn how

 

 

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1to build his own television and stereo system and was
2endlessly tweaking his electronics for the most perfect sound;
3he also loved good classical and instrumental music,
4especially the organ; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Jim Lear enjoyed traveling the U.S. as well as
6watching a good baseball, football, or basketball game, no
7matter the team; he usually rooted for the Bears, was thrilled
8to see the Cubs win the World Series, and was a true Illini
9fan; he loved a good Manhattan, a steak dinner, pizza on a
10Friday night, and any dessert; he was a great listener with a
11quick wit and an always present laugh; he was deeply committed
12to his faith and offered all an example on how to live with
13grace, kindness, and courage; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Jim Lear was preceded in death by his wife; his
15parents; his son, Samuel Reid; and his brother, Bill Lear; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Jim Lear is survived by his daughter, Ruth Ellen
17(Dave) Ficke; his granddaughter, Nora Ellen Ficke; and several
18nieces and nephews; therefore, be it
 
19    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
20ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
21James "Jim" W. Lear and extend our sincere condolences to his
22family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it

 

 

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1further
 
2    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
3presented to the family of Jim Lear as an expression of our
4deepest sympathy.