Session of 1999
SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1866
A Resolution in memory of William James ``Jim'' French, Jr.
WHEREAS, William James ``Jim'' French, Jr., 81, of Olathe, died Feb-
ruary 22, 1999; and
WHEREAS, Mr. French and his wife operated a small business in
Liberal for 21 years. While there he was the founder of the Shrove Tues-
day International Pancake Race between Liberal and Olney, England. As
a community leader he was a past president of the Liberal Jaycees and
the Liberal Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, As a Republican, Mr. French was Chairman of the Sew-
ard County GOP Central Committee, campaign manager for U.S. Senator
Bob Dole, Chairman of the First (56 counties) Congressional District, a
delegate to the 1968 GOP National Convention and a Republican pre-
cinct committeeman for many years;
WHEREAS, Mr. French retired in 1980 as the chief financial officer
of the Small Business Administration having jurisdiction over the states
of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri; and
WHEREAS, Mr. French was a member of the Olathe Noon Rotary
Club, the Grace United Methodist Church in Olathe, Post 153 of the
American Legion in Olathe, Veterans of Foreign Wars in St. John and
the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of several historical
groups and societies and wrote historical articles for numerous Kansas
publications including the Johnson's County Gazette; and
WHEREAS, Mr. French, a former Eagle Scout, was a combat aerial
gunner on a ``Flying Fortress'' B-17 bomber during World War II earning
the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters,
European Battle Medal with three battle stars and a presidential unit
citation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. French is survived by his wife, Lavone, a son, Wil-
liam James III, two daughters, Kathryn Purser and Constance Fox, seven
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we extend
our deepest sympathy to the family of William James French, Jr.; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate be directed
to provide an enrolled copy of this resolution to Mrs. William James
French, Jr., 1501 Sunvale Terrace, Olathe, Kansas 66062.
Senate Resolution No. 1866 was sponsored by Karen S. BrownleeI hereby certify that the above RESOLUTION originated in the SENATE,
and was adopted by that body
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