SR1629 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1629 LRB100 21626 ALS 38789 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James P. "Jim" Stanczak of Waukegan, who passed away on April 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak was born in Waukegan to John and Mary (Mitzy) Stanczak on October 13, 1934; he was raised in North Chicago; he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science at Bradley University, where he also walked on to the baseball team and set the stolen base record; he helped the Bradley Braves play their way into the College World Series, where he led the team in hitting; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak retired from the United States Navy as a Captain and Vietnam Veteran; he was deemed the "best instrument pilot around" by his peers, which was a tremendous source of honor for him; he was also the former proprietor of Stanczak Lanes in North Chicago, Grand Bowl in Waukegan, and Sluggo's Sweets N Stuff in Zion; he was the former Regional Manager for the DMV and, most recently, the former Manager of Waukegan International Airport, where he revitalized the Northern Illinois Airshow/Wings Over Waukegan; he took pride in honoring veterans and bringing the thrill of aviation to the youth of Lake County; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak was a member of the Waukegan City Club, the Lake County Board, the IPAA Board of Directors, the PRCU, the KSKJ, the Polish Legion of American Veterans, the Glen Flora CC, the Swedish Glee Club, and St. Anastasia Church, where he was a frequent usher; he was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak received many honors, including the Lake County Men of Distinction Award and the Waukegan Cares Lifetime Achievement Award for Politicians in the Military; he was inducted into several local halls of fame, including the Bradley University Sports Hall of Fame, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, the Lake County Sports Hall of Fame, and the upcoming Lake County Men's Bowling Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, John and Catherine Ferkin; his grandson, Derek Michael Pederson; his brothers, Lawrence, Leonard, Edward, and Samuel; and his sisters, Marcella, Geraldine, and Patricia; and

WHEREAS, Jim Stanczak is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; his daughter, Michelle (Mike) Pederson; his son, James J. "JJ" (Kelly Shields) Stanczak; his grandchildren, Samantha and Sydney Pederson and Madelyn Stanczak; his brother, John; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; 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 P. "Jim" Stanczak 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 Stanczak as an expression of our deepest sympathy.