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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JULIAN TAYLOR BOLTON
October 28, 1949 - August 4, 2025
WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioners wishes to recognize and commemorate the life, legacy, and extraordinary contributions of Julian Taylor Bolton, a distinguished public servant, legal luminary, educator, and community leader whose decades of service embodied integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the public good; and
WHEREAS, Julian Taylor Bolton was born on October 28, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Alex and Millicent Bolton. His early life in Memphis’ historic Klondike neighborhood provided the foundation for a lifetime of civic engagement and leadership. In 1958, his family made the transformative decision to relocate to Chicago, Illinois, in pursuit of greater opportunity, a move that would profoundly shape his personal and professional journey; and
WHEREAS, following his formative years in Chicago, he graduated from Mount Carmel High School, Julian returned to Memphis to pursue higher education at Southwestern College (now Rhodes College), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 1971. Demonstrating a profound dedication to the arts, he went on to receive a Master of Arts in Theater from Memphis State University in 1973; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, Julian married the love of his life, Joyce Walker. Their nearly five-decade union was blessed with three children, Julian Taylor Bolton II, Jared Walker Bolton, and Jasmine Bolton West, and was marked by a deep partnership rooted in love, respect, and shared purpose; and
WHEREAS, Julian began his professional life as an educator, serving both as a teacher within Memphis City Schools and as a professor at LeMoyne-Owen College, where he inspired countless students with his intellect, creativity, and commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, in 1982, Julian was elected to the Shelby County Commission, where he served with honor and distinction for 24 years. His tenure included service as Chairman in 1995 and leadership roles as Chair of both the Budget and Legislative Committees. In these capacities, he championed fiscal responsibility, legislative integrity, and policies aimed at uplifting the community; and
WHEREAS, , demonstrating an enduring passion for public service, Julian continued to serve after leaving elected office, lending his expertise as a policy advisor to both the City of Memphis and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, pursuing a new chapter in his professional journey, Julian earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis School of Law in 1992, joining the Tennessee Bar. As managing partner of the Memphis branch of the Cochran Law Firm, founder of The Law Office of Julian T. Bolton, and later as General Counsel for the National Organization of Black County Officials and Special Counsel to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, he exemplified legal excellence, advocacy, and justice; and
WHEREAS, Julian’s commitment to community service extended far beyond his professional endeavors. He served on numerous boards, including the Midtown Mental Health Center Board, the National Association of County Officials, and the National Association of Counties. His outstanding service was recognized through numerous honors, including the Rhodes College Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009 and the City of Memphis Exemplary Service Award from Mayor A C Wharton in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Julian Taylor Bolton’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, civic responsibility, and the belief that one individual can profoundly impact the lives of many. His steadfast devotion to family, tireless advocacy for his community, and exemplary record of leadership have left an indelible mark on Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Joyce Walker Bolton; his sons, Julian Taylor Bolton II (Monique) and Jared Walker Bolton; his daughter, Jasmine Bolton West (Junior); his cherished granddaughters, Olivia and Alexis Bolton; his siblings, Leah Cornelius, Mattlyn Turks, Kenneth Bolton, Alex Bolton, and Nedra Bolton Bailey; his step-sibling, Marion Mauldin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Millicent Bolton; and
WHEREAS, the life of Julian Taylor Bolton serves as a shining example of integrity, service, and compassion, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose, advocate with courage, and serve with humility;
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, BILL LOWRY, COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF THE 3rd DISTRICT, AND TONI PRECKWINKLE, PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, do hereby honor the memory of Julian Taylor Bolton, extend their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, and recognize his lifetime of distinguished service to his community and country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Julian Taylor Bolton as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Office of Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry 3rd. District. Dated this ______ day of ______.
Sincerely,
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