SR0411 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0411 LRB102 19008 LAW 27736 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Jeffrey Gene Givens of Peoria, who passed away on June 24, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens was born in Peoria to Homer "Al" Givens and Bertha L. (Kickel) Givens on April 22, 1945; he attended Princeville schools and graduated in 1963; from his first marriage, he had two daughters; he married Paula J. Applegate on March 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens joined his father's business, Givens Machine Co. Inc., where he served as a worker, partner, and owner for 43 years; he retired in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens was a member of the Akron-Princeville Volunteer Fire Department; he also held a special deputies commission from the Peoria County Sheriff's Department for several years; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens was interested in nature and history; he was a member of several plant and animal societies, mostly natural plants of Illinois, and helped create several natural prairies in central Illinois; he studied his family history and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of the War of 1812, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans; he was the first camp commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War post in Peoria; he also joined several reenactor groups and gave talks to schools and historical groups about the Civil War era; he was a lifelong member of the Princeville Masonic Lodge #360, where he achieved 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens enjoyed hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain climbing, bird watching, traditional archery shooting, skeet shooting, competitive pistol shooting, muzzleloading, and spending time outdoors; he studied different martial arts and finally attained a 4th-degree black belt in Japanese Wado Ryu Karate; he then taught karate for many years; he also developed an interest in music, mostly older folk music, and learned to play banjo and guitar; after obtaining and putting back together his grandfather Ellis Givens' fiddle, he learned how to play at the age of 73; he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, Jeffrey Givens is survived by his wife, Paula; his sister, Sally (Richard) Cloyd; his brother, Erik Givens (Deb); his daughters, Carrie Louise Givens (fiancé, Roger Monke) and Jennifer Marie (James) Curtis; his grandchildren, Olivia Ruth Combs, Taylor Marie Roberson, and Jeffrey James Curtis; and his Westie, Holly; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jeffrey Gene Givens 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 Jeffrey Givens as an expression of our deepest sympathy.