HR0035 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0035 LRB098 08226 GRL 38324 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of James A. "Jim" Maloof, who passed away on January 19, 2013; and

WHEREAS, As a bumper sticker proclaimed the City of Peoria's demise with "Will the last person in Peoria Turn out the Lights", James Maloof's enthusiasm and his optimistic "Forward Peoria" platform swept him into office in 1985; he served for 3 four-year terms; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to James Maloof's leadership in restarting the Peoria area economy, the City of Peoria was designated an All American City in 1989 and 1992; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof's passion for service called him to support his friend, Danny Thomas, in joining the first ALSAC/St. Jude board of directors in 1958, and serving for the rest of his life; during his tenure, he oversaw the creation of the world-renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; in 1960, he initiated the first Teen March for St. Jude, which has been embraced nationwide; he also held or participated in St. Jude fundraisers in 35 states and exuded his enthusiasm for the now famous Memphis-to-Peoria Run; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof was most proud of bringing a St. Jude Affiliate to Peoria, whose board he chaired until his death; and

WHEREAS, After serving in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, James Maloof worked at his family dry-cleaning business before starting Jim Maloof Realty in 1969, which stands today as a prominent central Illinois firm; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof enjoyed great popularity as he sang at hundreds of wedding and funerals; he also sang with the Orpheus Club for 22 years and led the annual Journal Star Christmas Sing at the Courthouse for 40 years; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof was known as "Governor Jim Edgar's favorite mayor" and was appointed to the Illinois Human Rights Commission for two terms by Governor Edgar; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof was born on October 18, 1919, in Peoria; his parents were Nimer and Sarah Maloof; he married Gertrude "Trudy" Burson on June 28, 1941; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof was preceded in death by his loving wife; his parents; his brothers, Abraham, Mitchell, and Fredrick; and his son, Mark; and

WHEREAS, James Maloof is survived by his sons, Michael and Nicholas Maloof; his daughter, Janice Maloof; his grandchildren, Peter Thomas Maloof, Sarah Maloof, Lisa Maloof Hall, Christian Maloof, Katie Maloof, Lydia Maloof, Nick J. Maloof, Micheline Maloof, and Markie-Marie Maloof; and his great-grandchildren, Coralie Hall, Iona Hall, Aidan Maloof, Erin Maloof, and Meghan Maloof; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James A. "Jim" Maloof and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

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