HR1016 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1016 LRB102 29839 ECR 41965 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Walter Arnold Jones Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones was born to Mary Louise and Russell Donald Jones Jr. on November 7, 1952; he was a native of Morgan Park; he first attended school at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, which was founded by his grandmother, Grace Agnes Spillman, other relatives, and their Morgan Park neighbors; he then attended Saint Dorothy's Catholic School and Leo Catholic School before graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1970; he earned his Psychology degree from Chicago State University; he married Lesa in 2001, and they both brought two children into their union and continued building their family together; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones worked at UPS and Sherwin Williams before beginning his career at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; after retiring from the YMCA, he managed the dock of 300 North LaSalle; he also owned his own renovation company; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones was a novelist and published his novel Blue: A Story of Extraordinary Courage in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones was a remarkable musician with a great voice, a gift for the guitar, and a penchant for songwriting; he was a builder who loved using his hands to add character to his home and others; he was also an artist who used any medium available; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones will be remembered for his strong work ethic, integrity, honor, and love; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Russell Donald Jones III; and his son, Walter Arnold Jones Jr.; and

WHEREAS, Walter Jones is survived by his wife; his children, Nicole, Jason, Kenneth, Adena, Eteria, and Marcus; his many grandchildren; his brothers, Kenneth and Gerald; his sisters, Rebecca (John) and Dorothy; his extended family; and his many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Walter Arnold Jones Sr. 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 Walter Jones as an expression of our deepest sympathy.