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1		SENATE RESOLUTION
2		WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
3		to learn of the death of James "Jim" W. Lear of Springfield,
4		who passed away on October 16, 2022; and
5		WHEREAS, Jim Lear was born to Ralph Foster and Hazel
6		(Murphey) Lear in Tuscola on December 18, 1933; he married
7		Virginia Ellen Reid; he was drafted in 1954 by the U.S. Army
8		during the Korean War and served in Daegu, Pusan, and Ascon
9		City for two years; he graduated from the University of
10		Illinois in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science and studied in the
11		Department of Health and Family Services; and
12		WHEREAS, Jim Lear worked for 30 years with the Illinois
13		Department of Public Aid; he first worked in Tuscola and then
14		with the Responsible Relative Program in Springfield, where he
15		provided support for children in the state system; he was
16		proud to be an executive in the development of the Illinois
17		Food Stamps program and to oversee the decision making in
18		related welfare programs; he enjoyed taking early retirement
19		in 1991; and
20		WHEREAS, Jim Lear had a passion for engineering and
21		technology and was always researching the latest in all things
22		audio-visual or automotive; he even took a class to learn how

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1		to build his own television and stereo system and was
2		endlessly tweaking his electronics for the most perfect sound;
3		he also loved good classical and instrumental music,
4		especially the organ; and
5		WHEREAS, Jim Lear enjoyed traveling the U.S. as well as
6		watching a good baseball, football, or basketball game, no
7		matter the team; he usually rooted for the Bears, was thrilled
8		to see the Cubs win the World Series, and was a true Illini
9		fan; he loved a good Manhattan, a steak dinner, pizza on a
10		Friday night, and any dessert; he was a great listener with a
11		quick wit and an always present laugh; he was deeply committed
12		to his faith and offered all an example on how to live with
13		grace, kindness, and courage; and
14		WHEREAS, Jim Lear was preceded in death by his wife; his
15		parents; his son, Samuel Reid; and his brother, Bill Lear; and
16		WHEREAS, Jim Lear is survived by his daughter, Ruth Ellen
17		(Dave) Ficke; his granddaughter, Nora Ellen Ficke; and several
18		nieces and nephews; therefore, be it
19		RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
20		ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
21		James "Jim" W. Lear and extend our sincere condolences to his
22		family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it

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1		further
2		RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
3		presented to the family of Jim Lear as an expression of our
4		deepest sympathy.