HR0043 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0043 LRB102 10646 MST 15975 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of former Illinois State Representative James D. "Jim" Fowler, who passed away on December 22, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler was born in Saline County to Terry and Helen (Jones) Fowler on June 11, 1934; he graduated from Galatia High School in 1952 and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; he left to join the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country for four years; he married Mable Lane on November 25, 1956; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler was honorably discharged from the Navy and enrolled in the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield; he spent 28 years serving the people of Southern Illinois; in January 1985, he retired and became the Saline County Clerk and Recorder and served for 14 years; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler was elected to two consecutive terms in the Illinois State Legislature and represented the people of the 118th district for four years; his working career spanned 46 years of public service to the people of Southern Illinois until his final retirement in January of 2003; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler was a member of First Church of God in Harrisburg; he could usually be found doing something behind the scenes and was always willing to serve on any committee or in any capacity where he was needed; he enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jack Fowler; and

WHEREAS, Rep. Fowler is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mable; his daughters, Cindy (Kevin) Porter and Beth (Wes) Evans; his grandchildren, Adam (Lori) Porter, Daniel Porter, Megan (John) Lemonds, J.D. (Tarah) Evans, and Rachel Evans; his great-grandchildren, Landon and Addy Beth Porter, Jolee, Avree, and Kaydee Porter, Emma and Judah Lemonds, and Jaylee, Abigail, Samuel, James, Isaiah, and Ethan Evans; his sister, Sue Fowler; and his brother, Melvin Fowler; 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 former Illinois State Representative James D. "Jim" Fowler 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 Rep. Fowler as an expression of our deepest sympathy.