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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Julius 
4Collins Thomas III, who passed away on December 23, 2025; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas, the son of Julius Thomas II and 
6Marie Thomas, was born in Chicago on September 18, 1949; he 
7studied commercial lending at the American Institute of 
8Banking and political science at Central YMCA College and 
9George Williams College; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas was an entrepreneur who owned and 
11operated many business, including the Chicago Parks Marine 
12Development, through which he launched the iconic pedal boat 
13and concession rentals at the Lincoln Park Zoo in the 1980s, 
14pedal boat developments at Encanto Park in Phoenix, Arizona 
15and Freestone Park in Gilbert, Arizona, the Park Place Cafe in 
16Lincoln Park, and the Hyde Park Place Cafe; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas earned recognition from prominent 
18media outlets, including Chicago magazine, the Chicago 
19Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and WGN; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas was a gifted writer, singer, and 
21poet, and his creativity reflected the depth of his spirit; 
 
 
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1and
 
2    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas was a visionary entrepreneur and a 
3devoted family man whose impact reached far beyond the 
4communities he served, and his legacy of creativity, laughter, 
5and love will continue to inspire others; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Julius Thomas is survived by his children, Dr. 
7Nalo (Pastor Darrell Mitchell) Thomas Mitchell, Julia Thomas, 
8and Julius Thomas IV; three grandchildren; one 
9great-grandchild; his siblings, Grace (Rodney) Thomas White, 
10Tony Thomas, Lori (Floyd) Thomas; and a host of nieces, 
11nephews, relatives, and friends; therefore, be it
 
12    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE 
13HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
14we mourn the passing of Julius Collins Thomas III and extend 
15our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who 
16knew and loved him; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
18presented to the family of Julius Thomas as an expression of 
19our deepest sympathy.