SR1638 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1638 LRB098 23259 GRL 62289 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Paul "Jim" Sczepaniak, who passed away on November 9, 2014; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak was born on December 1, 1935 in Joliet; his parents were Stanley and Rose (nee Petan) Sczepaniak; he was a lifetime resident of Joliet; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, Joliet Township High School District 204 (Class of 1953), and Joliet Junior College; he subsequently received a bachelor's degree from Lewis University and a master's degree from Northern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak served his country as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak retired after 33 years of dedicated service as a social studies teacher at Lockport Township High School District 205 and Valley View School District 365 U (Romeoville High School); and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak took great pride in his civic involvement; he proudly served on the Joliet Public Library Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, most recently as President of the Board; he was also an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, the Holy Name Society of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Catholic Church Seniors, Oakwood Estates Homeowners Association, and the Illinois Retired Teacher's Association; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak enjoyed stamp and coin collecting; he also greatly enjoyed taking pictures and sending them to his many relatives, friends, and acquaintances; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Clare (nee Gordon), and his parents; and

WHEREAS, James Sczepaniak was the beloved husband of 5 years to Frances H. Naal (nee Tures); the loving brother of Lois M. Geary; the brother-in-law of James (Joann) Gordon; the dear uncle of Kim Ann (Wayne) Meirhofer and Steven P. (Shirley Boatman) Geary; he is also survived by his step-children, Meg (Dale) Underwood, Jr., John (Micki) Naal, and Colette Naal and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, beloved students, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of James Paul "Jim" Sczepaniak; and be it further

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