HR0783 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0783 LRB095 14054 KXB 39906 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Rudolph Sherman Jackson of Chicago, who passed away on October 12, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph Jackson was born April 28, 1928 in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to Chicago as a child; he received a diploma for Electric Arc Welding from A & S Vocational Welding School and achieved many accomplishments in the field of welding; he worked for Pullman Standard Car, the Ford Motor Company, and Electro Motives before going into business for himself; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph Jackson, at the urging of the late Mayor of Chicago Harold Washington, took his welding talents and opened Rudy's Construction; opening his enterprise in 1984 represented a second career for him, after working as a welder for private companies for many years; while serving as a volunteer in the campaign of Mayor Washington he was encouraged by the late Mayor to open his business; the business thrived and received contracts with the Chicago Public Schools and other government agencies until the retirement of Mr. Jackson in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph Jackson served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged; he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal and was an honor guard for President Truman; he was an active veteran and a life member of AMVETS and Chaplain of the 247th AMVETS Post; and

WHEREAS, A devotee of Dr. Martin Luther King and an advocate for civil and human rights, Rudolph Jackson participated in the 1963 March on Washington, supported Dr. King's work in Chicago, made the pilgrimage to Washington to participate in the Million Man March, and was active in a variety of political campaigns; and

WHEREAS, The father of Real Men Cook founder, Yvette Moyo, Jackson participated in Real Men Cook for Charity as a cook and helper, and was its spiritual inspiration; Mr. Jackson was saluted at last year's celebration as the ultimate "Real Man" for being a spiritual guide to the group; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson joined Trinity United Church of Christ in 1987 and was a part of several ministries, including the Men's Course and the Sanctuary Choir, and he was ordained as a Deacon in 1993; he traveled to the continent of Africa on several occasions, to Johannesburg, Capetown, and Durban, South Africa as well as Ghana, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast in West Africa, and Brazil and Haiti; at the request of Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Mr. Jackson and Deacon Walter Jones chaired the Men's Cell Group, a regular gathering of men that includes readings, prayer,and spiritual leadership and support for male members of the church, and he was actively involved with the group until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph Jackson was preceded in death by his son, Steven Dwayne Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Rudolph Jackson is survived by his wife, Pauline; his daughters, Yvette Jackson Moyo, Sherry King, and Cynthia Stringfellow; his brothers, Walter and Rudell; his sister, Eva Mae, nine grandchildren, seven bonus grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of Rudolph Sherman Jackson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Rudolph Sherman Jackson as a symbol of our sympathy.