SR0425 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0425 LRB096 14901 GRL 29783 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of James Lee "JT Goodfoot" Thomas of Peoria, who passed away on September 28, 2009; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas was born on November 14, 1951, in Sweet Water, Alabama, to Terow Wiley Sr. and Irene Thomas; he married Eunice (Wright) Thomas; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas earned his bachelor's degree from Bradley University; he was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas was founder and organizer of the 1980s-1990s popular R&B band Sex Appeal and was the host of "Bourbon Street Live" on Channel 22; he was affectionately known in the Peoria community as "JT Goodfoot"; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for 29 years; he last worked as a day care licensing representative; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas was preceded in death by his father; and

WHEREAS, James Thomas is survived by his friend for life, Eunice Thomas; his mother, Irene Thomas; his sons, Tracy (Tyanne) Wright and Timothy Wright; his daughters, Margaret Wright and Shirlethia Thomas; his brothers, Percy (Diane) Thomas, Terow Wiley Jr., and Lee Thomas; his sisters, Kristine (Rueben) Camacho, Kathlynn Daniels, and Betty Wiley; his 15 grandchildren; his 3 foster grandsons; and his many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of James Lee "JT Goodfoot" Thomas; and be it further

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