JALC Foundation receives $1.5 million private donation
The Southern Illinoisan, Sep 9, 2017 Updated Sep 30, 2018 https://thesouthern. ... ef1e3.html
CARTERVILLE — When the late James and Rosemary “Dee” Childress became high school sweethearts in Carterville in the 1940’s, they did not know their relationship would be so successful it would enable them to make a $1.5 million bequest to the John A. Logan Foundation.
But that is exactly what happened.
According to a news release from John A. Logan College the couple’s attorney, Robert Howerton said the couple left the money behind to benefit students through scholarship opportunities.
Howerton, who presented a check to the JALC Foundation Thursday morning, said the couple knew what it was like to start out with nothing.
"But they worked hard, and became very successful. These are people young people can look up to and model their lives after," Howerton said.
The couple married in 1943 just before James left for the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy to fight in World War II. After returning from the war and completing his high school degree, he and Dee lived in a small, second floor apartment, the release said.
After James graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1951, he became a successful businessman.
By the end of his career he had owned numerous corporations and businesses in the steel industry, banking, construction and sales, as well as motels and nursing homes throughout Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri.
“I am simply fulfilling their instructions by making this contribution, and I am very pleased to do so," Howerton said.
According to Staci Shafer, executive director of the John A. Logan College Foundation, this gift from the Carterville couple, who lived to see their 71st anniversary, will impact the lives of generations to come.
“Their enormous generosity will impact so many lives for a very, very long time. I’m overwhelmed by their generosity and the difference they will make in the lives of others with this contribution,” Shafer said.
Howerton said he was proud to be able to deliver the check. He also said the money couldn’t have come from two finer people.
“What an incredible donation from an incredible couple,” said JALC College President Ron House.
“The legacy they leave behind is one of hard work and selflessness, a determination to help others even after their lives had ended. I believe many students who, like James and Dee, are also determined to be successful, will benefit from this enormous generosity,” House said.
Shafer said the couple had been loyal supporters of the Foundation and mentioned a number of times that after their death they would “take care” of the Foundation in their will. Still, she said, the size of this donation shocked her.
The money will establish a new endowment, the James and Rosemary Samuel Childress, John A. Logan Endowment which carries the stipulation that it provide scholarships for students interested in business.
Dee passed away on July 6, 2015. James passed away on May 21, 2016. Both were 90.