SR0896 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James M. VanDien, who passed away on August 13, 2015; and

WHEREAS, James VanDien was born on November 6, 1941 in Waukegan; his parents were Gordon B. and Della M. (nee Ryskiewicz) Van Dien; he married his high school sweetheart Barbara Hrutka on November 10, 1962 at Mother of God Church in Waukegan; and

WHEREAS, James VanDien attended St. Gilbert Church School in Grayslake and graduated with the class of 1959 from North Chicago Community High School, where he was an all-star athlete; he subsequently attended Illinois State University, where he played Red Bird football; he also played semi pro for the Lake County Rifles and tried out for the Chicago Bears in the late 1960s; and

WHEREAS, James VanDien was in partnership with his father and brother at the Van Dien Automotive Garage on 22nd Street in North Chicago; he served on the North Chicago Police Department for 10 years as a Detective and Juvenile Officer while attending Carthage College; he was also a financial planner with Mutual of New York and Hinsdale Associates for 23 years and was a life and qualifying member of the million dollar Round Table; and

WHEREAS, James VanDien was the beloved husband of Barbara; the loving father of Maribeth and Michael (Laura); the fond grandpa of Sawyer Belle; the dear brother of his late twin, John K. (Judy), and the late Gordon, III; the fond uncle of Johnette Delle and John K., II (Kathleen); and the great-uncle of Johnna Marie Van Dien; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of James M. VanDien; and be it further

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