SR0439 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0439 LRB098 12742 MST 47224 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James "Gib" Phillips of Benton, who passed away on July 10, 2013; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips was born on October 14, 1931, in Benton to Erne and Sybel (nee Robertson) Phillips; he graduated from Benton High School in 1949 and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; he served his country in the United States Air Force and was a member of the Air Force Marching Band that performed at the 1953 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California; he married Bettye Lou Loften on June 29, 1957, in Benton; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips worked for the Amoco Oil Company for 36 years, retiring in 1992 as field manager for the St. Louis metropolitan territory; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips had a passion for music all throughout his life; from an early age he mastered both the clarinet and saxophone; he loved playing for an audience whether in public or at home with family and friends; he was a member of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band for 12 years and performed regularly during church services for the First Christian Church in Benton during his retirement; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips devoted much of his time to community service; he was a member of the Greater St. Louis Oil Men's Club and, after retiring to Benton, served as a member the Park Board, Tourism Board, Lion's Club, and the Southern Illinois Municipal Band, president of the Rotary Club, and was an elder and a choir member at the First Christian Church; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips was preceded in death by his parents; and

WHEREAS, James Phillips is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bettye Lou; his daughter, Jamie (Adrian) Toole; and his grandchildren, Meredith Toole, Monica Toole, and Vance Toole; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James Phillips, 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 James Phillips as an expression of our deepest sympathy.