HJ0017 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0017 LRB104 12454 MST 22781 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Christopher Allan "Chris" James, age 48, of Savanna, died tragically in an accident on May 23, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Chris James was born to Derek "Rick" James and Patricia Colehour on March 1, 1975; he grew up in Mt. Carroll and graduated from Mt. Carroll High School in 1993; he married Jamie Schnitzler, and together they had two sons; he married Samantha Sipe on July 4, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Chris James worked for Guffey Motors (now JC Carey Motors) as a mechanic; he loved working on cars, a passion he kept throughout his life; he then worked for Elkay for approximately a decade, before starting a career with the Illinois Department of Corrections, first as a correctional officer, then vehicle maintenance, and then as a groundsman; and

WHEREAS, Chris James served as a councilman and treasurer for AFSCME; he also served on the Savanna City Council; and

WHEREAS, Chris James kept busy with all sorts of projects and endeavors centered around those he loved; he enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii with family and taking spur-of-the moment road trips; he was always available for people who needed him; his family was very important to him, and he kept many lifelong friendships; he was a big supporter of MC Motocross and the Rhythm Section Amphitheater; and

WHEREAS, Chris James was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dick and Diane James, and his father-in-law, Michael Sipe; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Chris James was survived by his wife, Sam; his sons, Hunter and Chase (Abbie) James; his stepchildren, Kharissa and Austin Anderson; his grandchildren, Emmett Dunk and Carter James; his parents, Jeff and Patty Janssen and Rick James; his sister, Beth (Dave) Jones; his nephews, Cody Johnson, David Jones III, and Charlie Jones; his honorary brother, Reid B. Law; his mother-in-law, Jodie Sipe; his "work wife", Denise Chandler; and many other beloved family members and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate Illinois Route 84 from 1030 Viaduct Road (south point) to U.S. 52 (intersection of Chicago Avenue and Viaduct Road) in Savanna as the "Chris James Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Chris James Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Chris James, the Mayor of Savanna, and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.