SR0978 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0978 LRB102 27205 LAW 38823 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James R. "Jim" Grafton, who passed away on March 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton was born to Jimmi Ryan and Barbara Ann (Circle) Grafton in Moline on April 25, 1951; he graduated from Moline High School in 1969; he attended the University of Iowa; he served in the U.S. Marine Corps; he married Mary in East Moline; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton was the owner and president of Blackhawk Foundry and Machine in Davenport, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton served as the county chairman during the reelection campaign for Governor Jim Thompson; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton was an avid University of Iowa Hawkeyes fan and loved sports; he enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Wisconsin and spending summers fishing with his father, son, and nephews in Canada; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joshua Circle Lee Grafton; and

WHEREAS, Jim Grafton is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Abby Grafton and Ben (Justine) Grafton; his stepchildren, Shawna (Josh) Coram and Alisha (Tim) Frederick; his step-granddaughter, Grace Coram; his sisters, Mindy (Steve) Kruse and Suzi Apple; and his beloved dogs; 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 R. "Jim" Grafton 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 Grafton as an expression of our deepest sympathy.