HR0269 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0269 LRB102 18294 LAW 26010 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Phyllis Ann Jameson of Milford, who passed away on April 23, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson was born in Bryce to Annette and Elmer Breymeyer on September 25, 1931; she graduated from Milford Township High School in 1949; she married Dale W. Jameson in Chicago in January 1952, and he preceded her in death on November 16, 1977; she later married Raymond Gibson in July 1984; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson was appointed as the first female coroner of Iroquois County on an interim basis after the sudden passing of her husband and then-Iroquois County Coroner, Dale W. Jameson; she became one of the first female officials elected to a countywide position when she was elected as coroner in November 1978; she won her next four elections for Iroquois County Coroner and served for 20 years; after the resignation of the sheriff, she briefly served in the additional role of sheriff in 1980, making her the first female sheriff of Iroquois County; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson was elected as president of the Illinois Coroner's Association in December 1985, where she spearheaded the effort to make continuing education training compulsory for all coroners in Illinois; she was appointed to the Advisory Board on Necropsy Services by the Illinois Senate in July 1988, serving until she retired as coroner; after her retirement, she was elected to the Iroquois County Board, where she served for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Schwer; she served on numerous civic boards and organizations; she loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson enjoyed her career as a public servant, while serving in one of the most challenging public roles; she was highly respected and known for her expertise and for being compassionate, refreshingly honest, conscientious, helpful, and forever thorough; she leaves a legacy as a pioneer for women in her field and as a dedicated public servant who understood the importance of her role in making families feel heard during difficult times; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy Sloan; her brother, Byron Breymeyer; and her stepsons, Dr. David Jameson and Larry Jameson; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Jameson is survived by her husband of over 36 years, Raymond Gibson; her children, Doug (Gloria) Jameson, Susan (John) Odenthal, Dan (Kathleen) Jameson, and Sally (John) Allhands; her twelve grandchildren, Annie (Steve) Cunningham, Brad (Sarah) Jameson, Christopher (Melody) Jameson, Dr. Jill (Mike) Scracic, Amy (Alex) Pokorny, John Odenthal, Megan (John) Delurey, Jenna (John) Holzhauser, Danny Jameson, Tyler Allhands, Jessica Allhands, and Emily Allhands; her 15 great-grandchildren; and her many nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Phyllis Ann Jameson and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Phyllis Jameson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.