HR0644 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0644 LRB102 25952 MST 35334 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Dr. John Walter Smith Jr., who passed away on January 8, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was born in Chicago to John Walter Sr. and Theresa Smith on July 19, 1937; he attended A.O. Sexton Elementary School and Dunbar Vocational School, where he excelled in athletics and academics; in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and earned a medal for good conduct in 1957; after his honorable discharge, he attended Chicago Teachers' College (Chicago State University) and then Northern Illinois University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; he was a standout on the Huskie football team and was named College Academic All-American for the 1962 season; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith began a 40-year career in education with Chicago Public Schools in 1963, when he accepted a position as a physical education teacher at Harlan High School, where he also served as an assistant football coach; he earned a master's degree in Education from Indiana University and a doctorate in Philosophy of Education Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago; his CPS career included establishing and building football programs at Kenwood and Percy L. Julian High School, serving as athletic director and physical education chair, and becoming an administrator with the Department of Sports Administration and principal of Adam Clayton Powell Elementary School; he retired from the Chicago Public Schools as the executive director of the Department of Sports Administration and Facilities Management in 2003; after retirement, he continued to consult with public school districts on creating and managing athletic programs and was instrumental in assisting the Philadelphia Public School District pattern their athletic program after the Chicago model; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith coached football and track and field at Harlan High School starting in 1963 but also established programs in these sports at the newly opened Kenwood High School; in 1975, he began a program at Percy L. Julian High School, and after two years, it was promoted to the "Red" top division in the Chicago Public League and became a Public League dynasty for the next 12 years; they won a Blue-Green championship and seven Public League championships in that span of time, including two Prep Bowl championships versus the Chicago Catholic League; the 1979 Prep Bowl triumph over Joliet Catholic High School was a landmark victory and only the second Public League victory in 20 years; the victorious 1989 Prep Bowl team set the record for the most points in a game; the Orange and Brown produced a significant number of all-Public League selections, all-state honorees, major college players, and seven individual NFL alumni; and

WHEREAS, Upon retiring as a teacher and coach, Dr. Smith assumed the position as the football coordinator for the Chicago Public Schools Department of Sports Administration; he later became the executive director of and ushered in sweeping changes to the interscholastic programs; during his tenure as executive director, he doubled the number of paid coaches available per sport, helped institute a no pass-no play policy for athletic eligibility, clarified and enforced student transfer rules, and realigned sports conferences with equity according to competitive levels; he also re-instituted the indoor track and field program, established freshmen levels of competition, and implemented summer sports camps; lacrosse, 16-inch softball, golf, water polo, and elementary double dutch were also added to the program of sports offerings; he is credited with organizing and implementing the first structured sports program for elementary schools, which covered 14 sports including tackle football; the eight years of his progressive and ingenious leadership at Chicago Schools Sports resulted in increased student participation in athletics and laid the foundation for more competitive programs; his leadership included ensuring the welfare of all stakeholders, from student-athletes to the community at large; his vision of fun, safe, and engaged sport competitions led him to initiate the "Orange Jackets" CPS Sports Security; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was awarded the Chicago Public League Coach of the Year five times, Operation PUSH Coach of the Year, Coca-Cola Man of the Year, and a National Football Foundation and a Hall of Fame Distinguished American Award; he was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith married the love of his life, Deborah Carter, in 2002, and they enjoyed world-wide travels and adventure; as a father and scholar, he imparted the importance of education not only to his children but as a father-figure to a host of students, as well; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was a proud lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Chicago Alumni Chapter, serving as the Polemarch from 1991 to 1992; he was also a member of the National Alliance of Black Public School Administrators, Operation PUSH, the Chicago Urban League, and the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association; he was an avid scuba diver and skier and a member of the Chicago Sno-Gophers Ski Club; later in life, he was active in the Slow Breakers; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 18 years, Deborah; his children, Ginger Bryant, Sheila Morris, Thomas (Andria) Smith, and Kelli (Curtis) Smith-Cureton; his stepchildren, Brandy (George) McCoy, Mandy Newman, and ONeal Carter; his grandchildren, Timothy Bryant Jr., Tinger Bryant, Kimberly Porter, Staci Morris, and Ariana Smith; his great-grandchildren, Kadon Martin and Iverson Bryant; his siblings, Carol Edwards, Michael (Zella) Smith, and Robin Smith; his nieces and nephews, Deseray (Nathan) Moore, Derick Johnson, Leonard Edwards, Eron Smith, Brandon (Meah) Smith, and Danielle Smith (Wesley Pepper); and an extended family of players and coaches, numerous dear friends, appreciative students, and respected colleagues; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Dr. John Walter Smith Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.