SR1254 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1254 LRB100 16231 ALS 31354 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James R. Bowers of Bloomington, who passed away on December 5, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bowers was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James J. and Katherine Baker Bowers on November 29, 1928; he graduated from Penn Hills High School in Pittsburgh and attended Pennsylvania State University for one year before serving in the United States Navy; he earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Illinois State University; he married Jo Ann C. Ruffing on August 9, 1958; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bowers taught physical education at Bloomington Junior High School and Bloomington High School for 37 years; during those years, he also coached golf, football, and wrestling at the high-school level; he was dedicated to instilling discipline, responsibility, and respect in his students and student athletes; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bowers was inducted into several wrestling and coaching halls of fame, including the Illinois State University Athletics Hall of Fame, the Penn Hills High School Athletics Hall of Fame, and the District 87 Hall of Fame; he also received several coaching and wrestling awards; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, Jim Bowers enjoyed golfing and traveling in the United States and abroad with his wife; he especially enjoyed his vacations spent in Perdido Key, Florida with family and friends; he also continued to take pleasure in attending local sporting events, especially those in which his grandchildren were participants; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bowers was preceded in death by his son, Paul Bowers; and his brother, Robert J. Bowers; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bowers is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his sons, Jim Bowers Jr., Jeff (Stephanie) Bowers, and Kurt (Stephanie) Bowers; his grandchildren, Jessica, Justin, Cheyenne, Cameron, Eli, Caleb, Chloe, Kallan, Brynn, Kyleigh, Ava, and Isabel Bowers; his sister, Joan F. Bowers Baacke; and his daughter-in-law, Tamara Shupp; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James R. Bowers and 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 Bowers as an expression of our deepest sympathy.