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SR 644

MEMORIAL-JIM DOOLEY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Don Harmon

A Senate memorial honoring Jim Dooley details his life as a Chicago-area musician and his community contributions, extending condolences to his family.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · SR 644

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution (SR)
  • Number: SR0644
  • Session: 104th Illinois General Assembly
  • Title: MEMORIAL-JIM DOOLEY
  • Purpose: Mourning the death of James "Jim" L. Dooley of River Forest, honoring his life and contributions, and extending condolences to his family and friends.
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor (as published) with co-sponsor Don Harmon

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution serves as a formal ascription of sympathy and recognition by the Illinois Senate for Jim Dooley, a long-time Chicago-area musician and cultural figure.
  • It documents Dooley’s life, career, and family background, highlighting his impact on the regional music scene and community activities.

Key Provisions and Content

  • A detailed biographical recounting of Jim Dooley’s life:

    • Birth: 1948, River Forest, Illinois.
    • Education: Attended St. Luke School, Fenwick High School, Loyola University, and Roosevelt University.
    • Music career: Founder and central figure of The Dooley Brothers (and related iterations) starting in 1966; extensive performance history in Chicago-area clubs and venues (The Roxy, The Barbarossa, The Bulls, Wise Fools Pub, Orphans, Ratso’s, Holstein’s, The Earl of Old Town, Somebody Else’s Troubles, Kilkenny Castle Inn, Irish American Heritage Center, etc.).
    • Notable performances: Regular appearances at St. Patrick’s Day events (Berwyn), and various venues in Forest Park, Oak Park, River Forest, and other Chicago suburbs; television and fairground appearances (Nightclubbing on PBS, King Richard’s Renaissance Faire), and public library engagements.
    • Family involvement: Later generations joining the band (Jim’s son Jimmy, Mike’s son Mick, Jim’s daughter Claire).
    • Recordings: Albums including A Place in My Heart (1983), followed by The Road to Lisdoonvarna, Glad Magic, Black Sunshine; upcoming album release noted at the time.
    • Other interests: Nature photography (featured in Trailside Museum: The Legend of Virginia Moe) and local history writing (The Hidden Passageways of River Forest).
    • Personal details: Survived by his wife Anna, daughter Claire, brothers Mike, Dennis, and Tom, among other relatives; preceded in death by his parents, his son Jimmy, and his brothers Bill and Joe.

  • Specifics on scope and impact:

    • The resolution functions as a ceremonial tribute to Dooley’s life, artistry, and community involvement.
    • It records a comprehensive portrait of his contributions to the local arts scene and cultural life.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: Jim Dooley and his family (acknowledged within the memorial).
  • Broader impact: The Illinois Senate and Louisiana? (Note: The bill is an Illinois Senate memorial; it publicly recognizes a local artist and preserves his legacy within state records.)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • This is a memorial resolution, not a law or appropriation.
  • It is a formal expression of condolence and recognition by the Senate.
  • No fiscal implications or policy changes are associated with SR0644.
  • Effective date: Conveys recognition as of the date of adoption in 2025 (based on death date noted in the text: August 8, 2025).

Summary

SR0644 is a Senate memorial honoring James "Jim" L. Dooley, a prominent Chicago-area musician and cultural figure, detailing his life, music career, family involvement, and community contributions. It memorializes his legacy, extends condolences to his family, and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to them. The resolution does not create policy or spend funds; its purpose is ceremonial and commemorative.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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