title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF JAMES C. ROONEY
WHEREAS, James “Jim” Rooney, community activist who founded United Power for Action and Justice, respected lawyer, artist, editor and vice president of publishing company Commerce Clearing House, now Wolters Kluwer died May 10, leaving behind family, countless friends and a community enriched for having known him; and
WHEREAS, Jim Rooney was noted for his intelligence, exceptional attention to detail and excellence. He had an abiding love of language as both communication and art which was reflected in both his work and his life outside of the publishing company where he worked for nearly four decades. He loved theater and film; he taught film classes at Oakton Community College. He will long be remembered for his love of the precision and nuances of grammar; and
WHEREAS, Jim Rooney was also an admirer of the art of photography. His landscapes and his photos of his friends and family revealed a deep affection for his subjects and will be treasured as a lasting reminders of John and his art; and
WHEREAS, more than anything Jim Rooney represented the best qualities of citizenship and humanity through his life-long commitment to volunteering in the community; he was an active volunteer in many organizations. His knowledge of art was shared with the teenage boys at Maryville Academy. He was active with the Evanston 4-H group and is credited with helping to organize the Evanston Housing Coalition which rehabs derelict buildings for resale to low-income families; and
WHEREAS, Jim Rooney was committee to social justice and was a major force for good in the community. He believed in and worked for an active, involved, Catholic laity, and pursued cross-religious community and inclusivity. He was a guiding force in creating a Jewish-Catholic dialogue group that met over the past three decades; and
WHEREAS, Jim Rooney was a devoted outdoorsman and shared that love with his children. He was a thoughtful expert who shared his knowledge of the genus, species and common name of every plant along every hike, wilderness excursion or station wagon cross country camping trip, many of which were captured in his beautiful photographs; and
WHEREAS, the community has lost a great friend in Jim Rooney; he will missed by his wife Mary, his sister Patricia Trimble, his children Jim (Sue), Brian (Karen), Dan (Sue), Kate (Ray), Trish (Steve), Matt (Janine), and Andy (Andrea) as well as grandchildren Caitlin, Megan, Brianna, Michael, George, Kristin, Allison, Mandy, Shannon, Joe, Grace, Marissa, James, Eric and Nathan, and great-grandchildren Nora, Adele, Clara, and Audrey along with scores of friends, neighbors and colleagues; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County commemorates the extraordinary life of James Rooney and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of James Rooney.
end