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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to
3learn of the death of Thomas E. Johnson, who passed away on
4April 13, 2020 at the age of 69; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson earned a bachelor's degree from
6American University and a law degree from Harvard Law School;
7and
 
8    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson met his wife, Leslie Ann Jones, in
91975; they met while working together at the Legal Assistance
10Foundation, where they provided free legal services for
11impoverished people; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson left the Legal Assistance
13Foundation to start his own firm, which is now called Johnson,
14Jones, Snelling, Gilbert & Davis; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson had a commitment to social justice
16and helping disadvantaged people on both a personal as well as
17a professional level; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson worked throughout his career to
19establish affordable housing in Chicago and to reform the
20city's voter registration and electoral system; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson represented numerous elected
2officials, which included serving as campaign lawyer for Mayor
3Harold Washington and U.S. Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson served as a hearing officer for the
5Chicago Police Board, where he presided over many high profile
6police misconduct cases; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson represented many people within the
8labor movement and secured restitution for many coal miners who
9suffered from black lung disease; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson was deeply committed to his faith,
11and his dedication to helping others was rooted in that faith;
12and
 
13    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson was passionate about finding
14secure, loving homes for children in need; he coached dozens of
15Oak Park children in T-ball and welcomed numerous foster
16children into his home; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Thomas Johnson is survived by his three sons, Ben
18Johnson, Charlie Johnson, and Jake Johnson; and his godson,
19Chris Hampton; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
3Thomas E. Johnson and extend our sincere condolences to his
4family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it
5further
 
6    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
7presented to the family of Thomas E. Johnson as an expression
8of our deepest sympathy.