SR0146 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0146 LRB104 12607 LAW 23255 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James "Jim" Goshorn of Gurnee, formerly of Grove City, Pennsylvania, who passed away on February 13, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was born and raised in Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he attended Lincoln Elementary School and Grove City High School; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1977 and his Master of Education in 1979, both from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; he married Mary Beth (Welter) Goshorn; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn began his career in education at Pottstown Elementary School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he nurtured young minds and left a lasting impact on the lives of his students; although he was deeply passionate about teaching, he made a career shift that eventually led him to Gurnee, where he and his wife relocated in 1993; he first worked at Baxter Healthcare before transitioning to Abbott Labs/AbbVie, where he enjoyed a successful 29-year career; after retiring, he worked at Heather Ridge Golf Course; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a dedicated and active member of the Gurnee community, beginning during his children's early years in the 1990s when he volunteered as a sports coach and became a committed supporter of the Friends of Gurnee Park District Foundation; through the foundation, he was instrumental in working with park district officials, the Village of Gurnee, and community members to build the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center in 2002, and while serving as foundation president, he was also played an integral role in the planning of the Hunt Club Park Community Center; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was elected to the Gurnee Park District's Board of Commissioners in 2009, serving as secretary until he was elected president in 2013, a position he held until his passing; during his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the park district acquiring Gold's Gym, which was converted into FitNation in 2013, and in securing the park district's financial sustainability; he also oversaw the rebuilding of many of the playgrounds and stayed up-to-date on everything happening at the park district without interfering with its day-to-day operations; he took a great deal of pride in serving the park district, and he was noted for being an excellent public speaker and for serving as a model board president who possessed vision, integrity, and passion; his leadership was driven by his deep commitment to fostering growth, inclusivity, and opportunities for generations to come, and he cherished the relationships he developed with the staff, board, and community members; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn further represented the Gurnee Park District through his service on the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD); and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a passionate music lover and was equally passionate about the outdoors, enjoying biking along scenic paths, playing rounds of golf, and spending time in his favorite Gurnee parks; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a devoted spouse, father, and friend and a proud member of the Gurnee community; he was known for his kindness, wisdom, and tireless efforts to improve the lives of others, and he was skilled at bringing people together, inspiring positive change, and always leaving things better than he found them; his legacy will continue to thrive in the parks, programs, and lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jean Goshorn; and

WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn is survived by his wife; his children, Allyson and Christopher; his siblings, Susan (Goshorn) Scalzi and David Goshorn; his nieces, Francesca and Jennifer; his nephew, RJ; and many friends, colleagues, and community members; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James "Jim" Goshorn 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 Goshorn as an expression of our deepest sympathy.