SR0549 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Leroy W. "Sonny" Jackson, who passed away on April 10, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson was born on October 25, 1943 to the late Andrew Jackson and Florence Walker in Hammonds, Louisiana; he was the eldest of 4 children; he attended grammar school in Markham and high school at Thorton Township, where he was the star of the football team; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson was a trained and skilled glazier for over 40 years, thanks to his father who owned a glass company on the west side of Chicago; he also worked as a glazier for the Chicago Housing Authority and the HT Glass Company; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson had a daughter, April, from his first marriage; he later married Jean Jackson in 1979; by marrying Jean, he became a father to John and Tony Jones; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson and his wife founded the non-profit organization "Eyes on Austin" on Chicago's far west side in 1999, an achievement that stood out as his proudest accomplishment; he worked tirelessly at Eyes on Austin, training future craftsmen in various job training programs and leading Austin's Labor of Love, an annual volunteer event to repair the homes of those in need in the Austin community; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson loved returning to Louisiana, which he did as often as he could; family reunions were one of his favorite things; in his later years, he enjoyed watching westerns with his wife and his beloved cat, Levi, who was always by his side; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Olivia Jackson; a brother, Jimmie; a stepsister, Mary; and a stepson, John Jones; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Jackson is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jean; his daughter, April; his stepson, Tony; his sister, Vivian (Joseph); his stepsisters, Joyce and Lois; his stepbrothers, Michael and Derrick; his grandchildren, Marissa and Maurice Jones; his in-laws, Sharon Franklin and Donald McNeal; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Leroy W. "Sonny" Jackson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sonny Jackson as an expression of our sympathy.