M resolution
adopted by Tlie &tty GoUHCll
ofthe Qity of Ghicago, Illinois
rJ£)mented by Alderman Michael Scott. Jr. OH July 25.2018
eTedS < Mr- Jannes "Jim" Earl Hobson will retire from the Chicago Park District after thirty-eight years of service. Mr. Hobson is a caring and dedicated worker, truly setting an example of what it means to be a civil servant; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his retirement by the Honorable Michael Scott, Jr., Alderman of the 24th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson began his auspicious career with the Chicago Park District in 1981 as the Playground Supervisor at the Kiwanis Park Playground, later serving as the Park Supervisor at Garfield Park for twenty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson became an incredibly successful adult and model for those around him despite a difficult childhood. As a boy, Hobson was bounced around thirty-two different foster homes and later spent several years as a homeless teenager; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Chicago Park District, Mr. Hobson served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army from 1967 to 1971 in South Vietnam and West Germany. During his sen/ice, he received multiple awards, decorations, promotions and honors including the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, the Vietnam Combat Campaign Medal, Order of the Spur, the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, a Foreign Service Certificate, and a National Defense Medal; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson has become an integral member of the community and is beloved by many. He is known for his big heart and no-nonsense attitude. He has been recognized by the City of Chicago, receiving the Chicago Park. District's Thirty Year Recognition Award in 2015, a 2014 Mayoral Appreciation Letter, the 1990 Superior Public Service Award, the 1985 Citizens award from the Chicago Police Department's 24,h District, Chicago's sesquicentennial Recognition Award and the 1970 Chicago Medal of Merit. In 2016, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association and in 2012 was a Hall of Fame Inductee for the State of Illinois on Aging Seniors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson is known for dedication to the youth of Chicago, providing guidance and leadership to young people. He has deep relationships with others and strong ties to the community, including park patrons, community leaders and elected officials; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fifth day of July, 2018, do hereby extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. James Hobson for his many years of service to the Chicago Park District and wish him all the best in his future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution are presented to Mr. James Hobson as a sign of our honor, gratitude, and respect.
