SR0565 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0565 LRB102 20652 LAW 29529 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James "Jim" DeVoe of Rockford, who passed away on November 29, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe was born to Viola and Harold DeVoe in Madison, Wisconsin on May 28, 1948; he married Zandra on January 15, 1972; he was a resident of the Ellis Heights neighborhood of Rockford since the 1980s; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe retired from Newell Window Furnishings in Freeport in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe co-founded the West Gateway Coalition, an organization that works to empower residents in some of the city's poorest neighborhoods to address issues ranging from crime and blight to economic development; he served as president from 2012 to 2015; through his efforts with Rock Church, the coalition has transformed more than 50 blocks in the past 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe was instrumental in the launch of Project 1013, an annual neighborhood cleanup project that brings hundreds of volunteers together each summer to remove debris, pull weeds, trim trees, paint, and spruce up whole city blocks; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe became a certified master gardener; he helped establish community gardens and teaching gardens aimed towards underserved youth on the west side of Rockford; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe was a proud member of the National Model Railroad Association and Master Gardeners; he enjoyed model railroading and being involved with several community gardens in the area; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe was known for his easygoing and down-to-earth nature and his unique perspective; he will be remembered for his passion and dedication towards helping his neighbors and his community; and

WHEREAS, Jim DeVoe was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and his brother, Jeff DeVoe; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Jim DeVoe was survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Zandra; his children, Jennifer Velez, June Jones, and Jonathan DeVoe; his brothers, Joe DeVoe and family, Jerry DeVoe, and Jay DeVoe; his sisters, Jeanette England, Jacqueline Cozzi, and their families; and his many cousins, aunts, and uncles; 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 James "Jim" DeVoe 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 DeVoe as an expression of our deepest sympathy.