David J. Root

David Root, age 42, of Sherman, passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

David was born February 23, 1974 in DeKalb, Illinois the son of James and Beverly Root, formerly of Hampshire, Illinois.

He married his beloved wife, Julie Smith, on August 5, 2000 in Decatur, Illinois.

David served as Superintendent of Williamsville-Sherman School District since 2007.  He worked as an administrator in the Greenview and Athens School Districts from 2002 thru 2007.  He taught and coached in Williamsville prior to his administrative service.

He graduated from Hampshire High School in 1992, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1997, received his Master’s degree from University of Illinois at Springfield, and attained his Superintendent Endorsement from Illinois State University.

David is survived by his wife, Julie; two children, Mia and Dalton; his mother, Beverly; one brother, Darren (Kim) Root; four sisters, Dawn (Steve) McGrath, Darla (Hank) Gunn, Debbie (Deron) Rueff, and Dyan Lausas.  Also surviving are his father and mother-in-law, David and Susan Smith; sisters-in-law, Janet Smith, Jennifer (Andy) Smith-Multerer, and Colleen Smith; brother-in-law, Kevin (Sara) Smith; nieces and nephews, Carson and Morgan Root, Chris and Nick McGrath, Kevin, Kyle, Kelly and Katie McCarthy, Mitchel and Elaina Gunn, Jackson, Taylor and Grant Rueff, Brittney Lausas, and Ethan and Max Smith.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Root (December 7, 2015).

David earned the University of Illinois at Springfield Administrators’ Round Table Citation for Distinguished Professional Service (2009-2010), serving as president.  He was awarded Superintendent of Distinction from the Illinois Association of School Administrators Abe Lincoln Region (2015), received Superintendent of the Year from Horace Mann (2015), and was honored with an Award of Excellence from the Villages of Sherman and Williamsville (2015).  David was a brilliant leader who has left an enduring impact on his profession.

David was a dedicated family man and enjoyed watching his children participate in their activities.  He was a talented musician and athlete, had the unique ability to be the funniest person in the room, and made every person he knew feel valued.  He demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the communities where he served, making decisions which put children first.

Visitation will be held at the Williamsville Jr. High School Gymnasium on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 1:00 until 6:00 PM.

Funeral Mass, officiated by Father Jeff Goeckner, will be held at St. John Vianney Church in Sherman on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM.

Memorial donations can be made to Williamsville School District David Root Memorial Fund.