SR0663 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0663 LRB093 23202 HSS 53176 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the State of Illinois learned with regret of the death of James William "J.W." Cowan on August 5, 2004; and

WHEREAS, J.W. was born on February 4, 1942 in East St. Louis to Reverend William and Susie Lee Cowan; he graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1961; he received an undergraduate degree from Sangamon State University in Springfield and later attended McKendree College of Lebanon, where he received a Master's Degree in criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan valiantly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged; he held various positions including Staff Major and was the Chef for the Colonel; and

WHEREAS, J.W. was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and was an active member, serving faithfully by providing security services and working in the food pantry; he had a passion for people and never met a stranger; he was firm, but never hesitated to help anyone in need; he was community service centered and regularly volunteered his time to civic programs, churches, and boards focused on helping the city of East St. Louis; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan was a leader in the community and held office on many boards, including the Leslie Bates Neighborhood House and the 911 County Board; after various jobs, he became one of the first African-American owners of a local variety store, serving the South-End community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan chose law enforcement as a career in 1969; he started as a patrolman in East St. Louis and rose through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain and was appointed Chief of Police until his retirement after 35 years of service; he was a past president of the Fraternal Order of Police and through the years received numerous awards and certificates for his outstanding work and contributions to the East St. Louis law enforcement community; and

WHEREAS, J.W. married Betty Sayles on July 31, 1988; they were known as "Chief and Mrs. Chief"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan was a committed Mason; his Masonic affiliation includes past Worthy Joshua, Heroines of Jericho, Senior Warden Tyree Consistory #64, past Potentate of Aahmes Temple #132, past Worshipful Master and current Treasurer of Southern Cross Lodge #112, past Worthy Patron of Queen Elizabeth Chapter #16, O.E.S., P.H.A., Deputy Grand Director of Security Eureka Grand Chapter, O.E.S., State of Illinois, P.H.A., and past High Priest York Right Masonry; and

WHEREAS, The passing of James William "J.W." Cowan has been deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Betty; his stepsons, Tony Sayles and Randy (Chantel) Sayles; his father, Reverend William Cowan; his brother, John (Karen) Cowan; his sisters, Darlean (Richard) King and Patricia Cowan; his stepsister, Ocie B. Atkins; his grandchildren, Latadzja Ferguson, Jamian Poole, and Rachan Sayles; his special son, Henry (Precious) Poole; his aunt, Fannie Grady; all of East St. Louis; and his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many special friends and neighbors; he was preceded in death by his mother, Susie Lee; his brothers, Aaron and Otis; and his daughter, Jennifer; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of James William "J.W." Cowan, a man who will be remembered for his many years of community service and devotion to the East St. Louis community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Cowan as an expression of our sincerest condolences at the loss of their loved one, a man who was a pillar of his community.