GOODBYE-REP. PAUL JACOBS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Windhorst

The resolution formally honors and bids farewell to Rep. Paul Jacobs for his public service and community impact in Southern Illinois.

Resolution Adopted

Summary of HR0970 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Purpose and intent

HR0970 is a House Resolution publicly recognizing and bidding farewell to State Representative Paul Jacobs as he leaves the Illinois House of Representatives.

The resolution honors Jacobs for his public service, his professional work as an optometrist, his business involvement, military service, and his community leadership and constituents’ service.

It also serves to acknowledge his background, values (professional Christian faith), and impact on Southern Illinois.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The resolution states appreciation and best wishes to Rep. Paul Jacobs as he pursues a new chapter in life after his tenure in the Illinois House.

Biographical merit cited: The document highlights Jacobs’:

Birth and upbringing in Illinois (Pomona, Illinois Ozarks region).
47 years of optometry practice in Southern Illinois, with emphasis on Anna and Carbondale.
Family life (wife Rhoda, four children, ten grandchildren).
Southern Illinois business experience, including operating Von Jakob Vineyard in Alto Pass for over 20 years.
Political service: Elected in 2020 to fill the vacancy left by Terri Bryant, serving in the 102nd, 103rd, and 104th General Assemblies.
Military service: Six years in the United States Navy (1965–1971) during the Cold War.

Encourages publication: A “suitable copy” of the resolution will be presented to Rep. Jacobs as a symbol of respect and esteem.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiary: Rep. Paul Jacobs, who is formally recognized and bid farewell by the Illinois House.

The broader community: Constituents and colleagues, as the resolution highlights his service record, ethics, fiscal responsibility, and constituent services.

No changes to law or policy are enacted; this is ceremonial/expressive in nature.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Type of measure: House resolution (non-binding, ceremonial).

Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Patrick Windhorst.

Legislative effect: Serves as a formal expression of respect and best wishes; does not alter statutes, budgets, or regulatory frameworks.

Effective date: Immediate upon passage of the resolution by the Illinois House (typical for ceremonial resolutions).

Notable details

Emphasizes Jacobs’ dual identity as a professional, businessperson, and community leader.

Recognizes his long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility and ethics in public life.

Highlights his service to Southern Illinois and his reputation as a conscientious representative.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph summary or a side-by-side comparison with similar farewell resolutions.