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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JOHN "JACK" FITZPATRICK
WHEREAS, Mr. John "Jack" Fitzpatrick was called home by Almighty God in His infinite wisdom on June 11, 2014 while surrounded by loved ones in Oak Brook, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Jack was born in Chicago on August 3rd, 1939 to Charlie and Isabel and later lived in Potomac, Maryland, Northbrook, Chicago, Glen Ellyn and Oak Brook, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, as a man of deep faith, Jack made his life's work a ministry of service and hope by founding Employment & Employer Services (E&ES) in 1982, an organization dedicated to the principle of quality employment as the foundation of human dignity, economic stability and community self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, over the span of 32 years under Jack's leadership, E&ES connected thousands of job seekers throughout Cook county with quality employment and training opportunities that greatly benefited families, communities, and the regional economy; and
WHEREAS, E&ES helped public housing residents receive vocational training and find employment, and served as a cornerstone for the CHA Plan for Transformation; and
WHEREAS, Jack proudly served his country with integrity and commitment, first in the United States Army and then later as a member of the National Guard; and
WHEREAS, Jack attended DePaul Academy in Chicago, earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Philosophy from DePaul University and a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Affairs from Loyola University; and
WHEREAS, early in his professional career Jack served the public as the Director of Planning for the City of Chicago's Department of Human Resources. Jack developed the policy framework for Chicago's human resources programs. Prior to that he served as planning director for the Chicago committee on Urban Opportunity, the City's anti-poverty agency where he played a key role in developing and coordinating the City's related policies and programs; and
WHEREAS, Jack served as Executive Director of the Chicago National Alliance of Business office and the Chicago Alliance of Business Manpower Services, which in cooperation with the City of Chicago became the largest and most successful CETA-funded On-the-Job Training (OJT) program in the country; and
WHEREAS, Jack subsequently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Alliance of Business (NAB), working in partnership with government, labor and education to secure jobs and job training for hard to employ Americans; and
WHEREAS, in 1978, Jack received a Presidential Citation from President Jimmy Carter for his leadership and direction in addressing poverty and workforce skills development; and
WHEREAS, Jack served faithfully over the years as a volunteer member of the Cook County Workforce Investment Board under POET; and
WHEREAS, Jack is remembered as the biggest Chicago Bears fan ever, attending nearly every Bears home game over a 50 year period. Jack also attended the 1963 Bears championship game as well as Super Bowl XX; both games which the Bears won; and
WHEREAS, Jack loved all of his dogs over the years, as well as fishing and enjoying a good pontoon ride.
WHEREAS, as a loving father and grandfather, Jack was an exceptionally devoted and supportive husband. Jack was the beloved husband of Judith Ellen Woods, devoted father of Lawrence (Annemarie), Megan (Sean) and Daniel (Zuzana) and proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Jonathan, Jimmy, MaryKate, Anne, Katie, Molly, Lizzy, Hana and Vera. Jack is mourned by his family and the many people he touched throughout his well-lived life; and left behind countless friends, family and a community enriched for having known him;
WHEREAS all who knew him will attest that John "Jack" Fitzpatrick was a kind and compassionate man, virtuous of character and gentle in spirit, admired and respected by his many friends, colleagues, and neighbors and dearly loved by his family.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby offer its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of John "Jack" Fitzpatrick, and joins them in sorrow at this time of loss; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and a suitable copy of same be tendered to the family of John "Jack" Fitzpatrick, that his memory may be so honored and ever cherished.
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