A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Recognizing the life and accomplishments of Dr. Jack Billion.

WHEREAS, John "Jack" Billion was a Sioux Falls native who was actively involved in South Dakota’s political process. He served two terms in the South Dakota House of Representatives representing Minnehaha County before becoming the Democratic nominee for Governor of South Dakota in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Billion served his community as a Major in the United States Air Force for two years before beginning his twenty-six year career as an orthopedic surgeon. He served as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff at McKennan and Sioux Valley Hospital, now known as Sanford. Dr. Billion also founded the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic in Sioux Falls. He formed close bonds with thousands of patients and medical professionals during his career and is remembered for being a loving and gifted surgeon with a warm and settling bedside manner. Dr. Billion also contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Dakota Wesleyan University Board of Trustees; the Children's Specialty Hospital, now known as LifeScape; and was a clinical professor at the USD Medical School and head of the Orthopedic Department at the Royal C. Johnson Veteran Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Billion passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls on February 25, 2023, at the age of eighty-three. Dr. Billion will be remembered as a hard-working and kind-hearted South Dakotan who went above and beyond for his community. Dr. Billion is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Deb; his children Matthew, Suzy, John, Jim, Jane, Tim, and Allyson; his siblings Carolyn, Janet, David, Joseph, Bessie, and Stephen; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Eighth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Dr. Jack Billion had many incredible achievements and spent his life dedicated to the bettering of South Dakota for all.