IL SR1226

Illinois Senate expresses condolences on the death of John I. Gifford of Rock Island, who died on October 3, 2022

Gifford earned a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in 1952 and a Master of Science in 1956, served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 including service in Korea, and married Sara "Jane" Bauer on January 28, 1955

Gifford worked as an economist and manager of Data Services for John Deere Company for 39 and a half years and was active in multiple industry associations including the American Agricultural Economist Association and Equipment Manufacturers Institute

Gifford served on the board of the Rock Island Easter Seals Foundation and was involved in community activities including Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball

Gifford is survived by his wife Jane, sons John and James, and grandson Giancarlo