SR1524 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1524 LRB101 23110 ECR 74243 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas E. Johnson, who passed away on April 13, 2020 at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson earned a bachelor's degree from American University and a law degree from Harvard Law School; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson met his wife, Leslie Ann Jones, in 1975; they met while working together at the Legal Assistance Foundation, where they provided free legal services for impoverished people; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson left the Legal Assistance Foundation to start his own firm, which is now called Johnson, Jones, Snelling, Gilbert & Davis; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson had a commitment to social justice and helping disadvantaged people on both a personal as well as a professional level; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson worked throughout his career to establish affordable housing in Chicago and to reform the city's voter registration and electoral system; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson represented numerous elected officials, which included serving as campaign lawyer for Mayor Harold Washington and U.S. Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson served as a hearing officer for the Chicago Police Board, where he presided over many high profile police misconduct cases; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson represented many people within the labor movement and secured restitution for many coal miners who suffered from black lung disease; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson was deeply committed to his faith, and his dedication to helping others was rooted in that faith; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson was passionate about finding secure, loving homes for children in need; he coached dozens of Oak Park children in T-ball and welcomed numerous foster children into his home; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson is survived by his three sons, Ben Johnson, Charlie Johnson, and Jake Johnson; and his godson, Chris Hampton; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Thomas E. Johnson 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 Thomas E. Johnson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.