[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 163 (Monday, September 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     JACK SCHURMAN--VETERANS LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 21, 2020

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a great friend 
of mine and a tremendous advocate for America's veterans, Mr. Jack 
Edward Schurman. A little more than two years ago, I spoke about Jack 
as he moved from his longtime residence of Shelbyville, IL, in my 15th 
Congressional District, to the Mississippi State Veterans Home to be 
near his daughter, Kelli Ann, in Bay St. Louis, MS. On September 13, 
Jack passed way, a victim of the ongoing, tragic COVID-19 pandemic.
  Born in Iowa on June 12, 1939, Jack joined the U.S. Navy in 1959. He 
rose to the rank of yeoman third class before a disability cut short 
his service in 1964. Jack made his way to Illinois. In 1976, he married 
Nancy Ellen Cranford. They raised two daughters, Kelli Ann and Kim 
Marie.
  As chairman of my Veterans Advisory Committee, Jack used his valuable 
experience and perspective as a disabled veteran in leading our 
meetings through the years. Between meetings, he would direct a number 
of veterans to my office for casework assistance, several of whom he 
had to use his well-known persistence to convince they could trust a 
government representative.
  Jack's health declined after the death of his beloved Nancy in 2016, 
leading to his move to Mississippi. But even after leaving the state, 
he continued advocating for his fellow veterans in Illinois, staying in 
contact with my office from long distance.
  Madam Speaker, Jack Edward Schurman was laid to rest next to Nancy at 
Mt. Zion Cemetery near Shelbyville. After fighting the good fight, may 
he rest in peace.

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