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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" Goshorn of Gurnee,
4 formerly of Grove City, Pennsylvania, who passed away on
5 February 13, 2025; and
6 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was born and raised in Grove City,
7 Pennsylvania, where he attended Lincoln Elementary School and
8 Grove City High School; he earned his Bachelor of Science in
9 Education in 1977 and his Master of Education in 1979, both
10 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; he married Mary Beth
11 (Welter) Goshorn; and
12 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn began his career in education at
13 Pottstown Elementary School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where
14 he nurtured young minds and left a lasting impact on the lives
15 of his students; although he was deeply passionate about
16 teaching, he made a career shift that eventually led him to
17 Gurnee, where he and his wife relocated in 1993; he first
18 worked at Baxter Healthcare before transitioning to Abbott
19 Labs/AbbVie, where he enjoyed a successful 29-year career;
20 after retiring, he worked at Heather Ridge Golf Course; and
21 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a dedicated and active member of
22 the Gurnee community, beginning during his children's early
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1 years in the 1990s when he volunteered as a sports coach and
2 became a committed supporter of the Friends of Gurnee Park
3 District Foundation; through the foundation, he was
4 instrumental in working with park district officials, the
5 Village of Gurnee, and community members to build the Hunt
6 Club Park Aquatic Center in 2002, and while serving as
7 foundation president, he was also played an integral role in
8 the planning of the Hunt Club Park Community Center; and
9 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was elected to the Gurnee Park
10 District's Board of Commissioners in 2009, serving as
11 secretary until he was elected president in 2013, a position
12 he held until his passing; during his tenure, he played a
13 pivotal role in the park district acquiring Gold's Gym, which
14 was converted into FitNation in 2013, and in securing the park
15 district's financial sustainability; he also oversaw the
16 rebuilding of many of the playgrounds and stayed up-to-date on
17 everything happening at the park district without interfering
18 with its day-to-day operations; he took a great deal of pride
19 in serving the park district, and he was noted for being an
20 excellent public speaker and for serving as a model board
21 president who possessed vision, integrity, and passion; his
22 leadership was driven by his deep commitment to fostering
23 growth, inclusivity, and opportunities for generations to
24 come, and he cherished the relationships he developed with the
25 staff, board, and community members; and
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1 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn further represented the Gurnee Park
2 District through his service on the Legislative Committee of
3 the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD); and
4 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a passionate music lover and was
5 equally passionate about the outdoors, enjoying biking along
6 scenic paths, playing rounds of golf, and spending time in his
7 favorite Gurnee parks; and
8 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was a devoted spouse, father, and
9 friend and a proud member of the Gurnee community; he was known
10 for his kindness, wisdom, and tireless efforts to improve the
11 lives of others, and he was skilled at bringing people
12 together, inspiring positive change, and always leaving things
13 better than he found them; his legacy will continue to thrive
14 in the parks, programs, and lives he touched; and
15 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn was preceded in death by his parents,
16 William and Jean Goshorn; and
17 WHEREAS, Jim Goshorn is survived by his wife; his
18 children, Allyson and Christopher; his siblings, Susan
19 (Goshorn) Scalzi and David Goshorn; his nieces, Francesca and
20 Jennifer; his nephew, RJ; and many friends, colleagues, and
21 community members; therefore, be it
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1 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL
2 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
3 James "Jim" Goshorn and extend our sincere condolences to his
4 family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
5 further
6 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7 presented to the family of Jim Goshorn as an expression of our
8 deepest sympathy.
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