Bill Text: IL SR1317 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of James Paul Biggers of Springfield.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2022-12-01 - Resolution Adopted [SR1317 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-SR1317-Introduced.html

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SR1317 LRB102 29838 MST 41964 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of James Paul Biggers of Springfield, who
passed away on November 15, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers was born in Rayborn, Missouri to
Ervin Paul Aaron and Rhoda (Longwell) Biggers on December 2,
1938; he graduated from the University of Illinois with a
degree in civil engineering; he married Ruth West in
Springfield on November 18, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers worked for 25 years for the Illinois
Department of Transportation in Carbondale and Springfield;
after retiring, he worked as an environmental consultant for
the Johnson, Depp, & Quisenberry Consulting Engineering Firm
in Owensboro, Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers was a lifelong steward of the Earth;
he held past presidencies and leadership roles with The
Audubon Society of Southern Illinois, Green Earth, and the
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center; he was co-founder
of the Southern Illinois Bird Observatory, an avid birder, and
coordinator of the Jackson County Bird Count; and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers also served in leadership roles with

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the Illinois Jaycees and the Elks and was Scoutmaster of Troop
#68 with the Boy Scouts of America; one of his proudest and
most recognized accomplishments was as chairman of the 1968
Carbondale Memorial Day Celebration, when he was bestowed a
Meritorious Service Award and was recognized for his services
rendered to the State of Illinois in celebration of its 150th
year of statehood by the Illinois Sesquicentennial Commission;
and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers' love of music ran the gamut of all
genres; his passion ranged from classical music with a
penchant for all things Beethoven to the country and ballad
likes of Tennessee Ernie Ford; he sang in the church choir and
enjoyed the time he spent as a member of The Capital City Men's
Chorus; and
WHEREAS, Paul Biggers is survived by his wife, Ruth; his
daughter, Patty Tate and son-in-law, Larry; his sons, Mike
Biggers and daughter-in-law, Debbie, Mark Biggers and
daughter-in-law, Julie, and Brian Biggers and daughter-in-law,
Lisa; his grandchildren, Kimberly (Curt) Hagarty, Megan
(Peter) Hagedorn, Whitney (Scott) Richards, Jeremiah (Jessica)
Biggers, Luke (Stacy) Biggers, Keith McComas, Sean Ashwell,
David (Julie Chapman) Ashwell, Jennifer (Ryan Mallon) Ashwell,
Jonah Biggers, and Blake Biggers; his great-grandchildren,
Addison Hagarty, Agatha Hagedorn, Karson Richards, Logan

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Richards, Allyson Biggers, Morgan Biggers, Nolan Biggers, Ana
Reed, Odin Biggers, Wyatt Biggers, Brandon McComas, and
Patrick Mallon; his siblings, Julie (Edd) Sterchi and Jim
(Connie) Gilbert; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives,
and friends; 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 Paul Biggers 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 Paul Biggers as an expression of our
deepest sympathy.