Robert Vance Shuff, Jr.

Robert Vance Shuff, Jr., of Springfield, died at 9:35 p.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at The Regency Nursing Care. Robert was born on May 10, 1948 in Pontiac, MI, the son of Robert V. and June Bancroft Shuff. Robert was a graduate of Charleston High School, Eastern Illinois University, and received his Law Degree from Southern Illinois University Law School in 1977. During the mid and late seventies, Bob held several legal positions including; Assistant Public Defender in Jefferson County, IL from 1977 to 1978, Private Practice in Mt. Vernon, IL from 1977 to 1980, State's Attorney for Jefferson County, Il from 1980 to 1983, First Assistant Attorney General for Attorney General Neil F. Hartigan in Springfield, Il from 1983 to 1988, and Private Practice in Springfield, IL from 1988 until recently. Robert was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity at Eastern Illinois University, as well as many various other fraternal and service organizations. He had argued before the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the Board of Editors at the Southern Illinois University Law Journal, and was Southern Illinois University School of Law Alumnus of the Year in 1986. He had received American Jurisprudence Awards for Excellent Achievement in the Study of Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, and Property. In 1989 he also received the Vince Lombardi Award for Prosecutors, which was awarded by the Illinois State's Attorneys Association. Mr. Shuff served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1966 to 1968; and later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972. Surviving Robert are his mother, June Bancroft Shuff of Conroe, TX; his father, Robert V. Shuff Sr. of Arkadelphia, AR; his son, James A. (wife, Lindsay) Shuff of Springfield; two grandchildren, Owen Knight Shuff and Caleb Archer Shuff; two brothers, James A. Shuff II and Douglas Shuff of Arkansas; his sisters, Sheri Duncan and Mary Jo Murphy of Texas; as well many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Cremation accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:30-6:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 followed by a memorial ceremony at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Shawn Denney officiating at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Department of Defense. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, 530 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.