SR0608 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0608 LRB104 20484 LAW 33955 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Dean "Jim" Bolin of Casey, who passed away on January 27, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin was born to Everett Edward Bolin Jr. and Judy Kay (Whitling) Bolin in Terre Haute, Indiana on September 23, 1964; he graduated from Casey High School in 1982; he married Diane Ruth Lacey at the First Baptist Church in Casey on August 2, 1985; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin worked as a carpenter after graduating from high school; he held a second job at his family's small sandblasting and paint shop that would later become Bolin Enterprises, Inc., where he served as vice president and helped expand the family-led, Casey-based business into a nationally known and respected enterprise supporting approximately 250 employees; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin, a lifelong member of the Casey community, had a passion for drawing others to the place he called home; he was the visionary behind Big Things in A Small Town, inspiring and transforming Casey through the installation of a number of roadside attractions, including the World's Largest Wind Chime, Rocking Chair, and Mailbox, among others, bringing tourists from around the world to the city; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin led with humility and heart, holding a number of positions of leadership within the Casey community; he had a rare ability to see potential in people, ideas, and his community, and he worked tirelessly to help that potential grow through developing relationships, creating opportunities, and quietly changing lives; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin was a man whose life was guided by his faith and expressed through a deep love for people; he was a devoted member of Moriah Church in Casey, where he served in numerous ways; though he worked hard for what he had in life, he knew that it was all a blessing, and he was devoted to sharing those blessings with others; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin was widely known for his unwavering devotion to his family and his genuine friendship, and his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and the countless individuals he touched along the way; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin was preceded in death by his father and his mother-in-law, Barbara Green Lacey; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bolin is survived by his wife of 40 years, Diane Bolin; his children, Jessica (Troy) Prater and Drew (Maurah) Bolin; three grandchildren; his mother; his brother, Troy Bolin; his father-in-law, Dennis Lacey; his sister-in-law, Amy (Mark Schultz) Lacey; and many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James Dean "Jim" Bolin 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 Jim Bolin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.