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HR 947

MEMORIAL-JULIUS C. THOMAS III

104th Regular Session Introduced by La Shawn Ford

The bill memorializes Julius C. Thomas III, highlighting his entrepreneurship, community impact, and creative talents, and extends condolences to his family.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 947

Overview

  • Bill: HR 947
  • Session/Jurisdiction: Illinois, 104th General Assembly
  • Title: MEMORIAL-JULIUS C. THOMAS III
  • Type: House Resolution (sole purpose is to memorialize/commend)
  • Sponsor: Primary sponsor listed with Co-sponsor La Shawn Ford

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution expresses sorrow and officially memorializes the life of Julius Collins Thomas III, who reportedly passed away on December 23, 2025.
  • It honors his personal and professional contributions as a community member and entrepreneur, and extends condolences to his family and friends.

Key Provisions and Provisions Impact

  • Official Acts: The House of Representatives approves a memorial resolution acknowledging Julius Collins Thomas III, his achievements, and his impact on the community.
  • Content Highlights:
    • Summary of his life: birth details (September 18, 1949, in Chicago) and family background.
    • Education: studied commercial lending and political science at named institutions.
    • Entrepreneurial work: owned and operated multiple businesses, notably Chicago Parks Marine Development, which included pedal boat and concession operations at Lincoln Park Zoo in the 1980s, as well as pedal boat projects in Phoenix, AZ, and Gilbert, AZ; and hospitality ventures (Park Place Cafe in Lincoln Park and Hyde Park Place Cafe).
    • Media recognition: cited by Chicago magazine, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and WGN.
    • Personal attributes: described as a writer, singer, and poet with a creative spirit.
    • Family and survivors: mentions his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and siblings.
  • Outcome: A formal expression of sympathy and a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Illinois House.

Who is Affected

  • Primary: Julius Collins Thomas III and his family (as the subject of the memorial) and the broader Illinois House of Representatives as the body issuing a formal tribute.
  • The public: readers and residents who look to the General Assembly for ceremonial acknowledgments of notable individuals.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • This bill is a memorial resolution, which typically:
    • Requires passage by the Illinois House of Representatives.
    • Does not create law or funding; it is a ceremonial act recognizing an individual.
  • Timeline specifics (e.g., date of enactment or duration) are not applicable in the same way as for substantive bills; the resolution becomes part of the official record upon adoption.
  • Co-sponsor: La Shawn Ford

Summary

HR 947 is a memorial resolution from the Illinois House of Representatives honoring the life and contributions of Julius Collins Thomas III. It details his birthplace, education, entrepreneurial accomplishments (notably the Chicago Parks Marine Development and related pedal boat operations, plus intimate cafe ventures), media recognition, creative talents, and surviving family. The resolution serves to publicly mourn his passing, extend condolences to his family and friends, and present a formal copy of the resolution as a gesture of sympathy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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