Washington, DC -(Effingham Radio)- Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) addressed the House of Representatives on July 19 to honor longtime Shelbyville, Illinois resident Jack Edward Schurman. Mr. Schurman served as chairman of the congressman’s Veterans Advisory Committee for many years.
The statement made by Congressman Shimkus:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to speak about Mr. Jack Edward Schurman, a longtime resident of Shelbyville, Illinois, in my 15th Congressional District, a disabled veteran, an advocate for former military men and women throughout the Nation, and chairman of my Veterans Advisory Committee, and, I am proud to say, my friend.
“Born in Iowa in 1939, Jack joined the Navy in 1959 and rose to the rank of yeoman third class before a disability cut short his service in 1964. Jack made his way to Illinois, and, in 1976, he married Nancy Ellen Cranford. They raised two daughters, Kelli Ann and Kim Marie.
“As chairman of my Veterans Advisory Committee, Jack has led our meetings for years, bringing valuable experience and perspective.
“Unfortunately, Jack’s health has declined to a point where his mobility is limited, and doctors have declared that he should no longer live on his own, which is what he has done since his beloved wife passed away in 2016. Jack is now in Mississippi, thanks to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which located a suitable residence for him near the home of one of his daughters.
“Mr. Speaker, members of my Veterans Advisory Committee and I will miss Jack. We want to thank him for his tremendous service throughout the years and wish him the best of health and happiness in this next chapter of his remarkable life.”