SR0839 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0839 LRB103 39874 MST 70741 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James H. "Jim" McGrath of Springfield, who passed away on January 24, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath was born on a farm west of Woodson to William and Ida (Begnel) McGrath on July 13, 1929; he graduated from Routt High School in Jacksonville; he married Virginia K. Hanley on April 29, 1950; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath worked as a truck driver for Amrhein Bakery; he became a member of the Painters Local #90 in 1951 and advanced to the position of business agent, which he held for 38 years; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath served on many boards and commissions, including as president of the Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, chairman of both the Illinois State Painters Welfare Fund and the Illinois Painters State Conference, precinct committeeman for the Sangamon County Democratic Party, trustee of the Springfield Sanitary District, and deputy director for the Illinois Department of Labor; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs; he enjoyed gardening, betting on the ponies with a special group of friends, and following the stock market and politics; one of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his children; he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities and always remembered to make them feel special on their birthdays; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his son, Jack McGrath; his brothers, Gerald "Jake" and Bernie; his sisters, Theresa, Bernice, Cecelia, Aggie, and Rosie; and his son-in-law, Tommy Freeman; and

WHEREAS, Jim McGrath is survived by his sons, James (Sonja), Patrick (Michele), Michael (Valerie), Robert (Debbie), Larry (Cathy), and David (Anne); his daughters, Peggy McGrath, MaryJane Miller, and Theresa Freeman; his daughter-in-law, Sam McGrath; 18 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James H. "Jim" McGrath 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 McGrath as an expression of our deepest sympathy.