SR0368 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0368 LRB100 08424 MST 18540 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Thomas Thompson Jr. of Danville, who passed away on September 18, 2016; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. was born in Westville to John T. Sr. and Mae (Bubelis) Thompson on February 28, 1931; he graduated from Saint Mary's Grade School in 1946 and Georgetown High School in 1950, where he excelled in football and basketball, setting records in both sports; he served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War and married Josephine "Jo Ann" Ann Sakotnik in Westville on October 22, 1955; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. worked for the Norfolk & Western Railroad (formerly the Wabash Railroad) as a switchman, retiring in 1981 after 26 years; he also managed the Shields Restaurant in Hegeler/Home Gardens and worked as a part-time constable for Vermilion County; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. was a life-member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Westville and a life-member of the United Transportation Union; he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Westville American Legion Post #51 for 61 years, and the 40 & 8 for 60 years; he was a past member of the Moose, the Navy Club, and the Elks; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party; he was a precinct committeeman for 55 years, and a Vermilion County Democrat Chairman for 10 years; he received several awards and accolades for his service to the Democratic Party; during his term as Chairman, he was instrumental in electing county board members to change the board from Republican to Democrat; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. loved sports and cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals; in his earlier years, he played and managed Twilight League Ball; he coached American Legion Youth Baseball; he enjoyed golf, gardening, and most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. participated in the Georgetown Fair, entering rabbits as a youngster and flowers as an adult; he supported Saint Mary's Catholic Church Labor Day weekend festivities, where he enjoyed selling raffle tickets; he volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels through CRIS Senior Services for many years and catered special occasions with his wife and family; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, JoAnn Shapuras; and

WHEREAS, John Thompson Jr. is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Jo Ann; his daughters, Deborah (Timothy) Strako, and Christina (Robert) Dietzen; his grandchildren, Amanda Widell (Dylan McKenzie), Matthew (Eryca) Strako, Joslyn Dietzen, and Aleksas Dietzen; his great-grandchildren, Abigail Widell, Grady Widell, and Esther Strako; his step-great-grandchild, Emani Nelson; his brothers, Carl Thompson (Pat Stitt), Faustyn (Shirley) Thompson, and Iyrann (Hazel) Thompson; his sister, Adry Ann Swaney; his brother-in-law, William Sakotnik; his special niece, DiAnn Cottle; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John Thomas Thompson Jr., 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 John Thompson Jr. as an expression of our deepest sympathy.