OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
April 13,2011
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Together with Alderman Rugai, I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of James Tyree, Mesirow CEO and philanthropist.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber learned with great sadness that James C. Tyree, one of the Nation's leading entrepreneurs and philanthropists,, passed away on March 16, 2011, at the age of 53; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 30,1957, Mr. Tyree, the youngest of seven children, grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, where he attended Saint Barnabas Elementary School and Marist High School. Working a variety of jobs that included selling stereos, caddying and driving a forklift to help pay for his education, Mr. Tyree earned a bachelor's degree in 1978 and a Master's degree in 1980 from Illinois State University; and
WHEREAS, The quintessential Chicago success story of overcoming a difficult childhood through hard work.and dedication to become one of the City's most successful businessmen, in 1980, Mr. Tyree joined Mesirow Financial, a diverse financial services company, as a research analyst, and quickly rose through the ranks to become President in 1990, Chief Executive Officer in 1992, and Chairman in 1994, a position he served in until his death; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Mr. Tyree led Mesirow to exceptional levels of growth in all areas of the business, including acquisitions of numerous firms such as Stein & Company, a premier real estate organization, Near North Insurance Brokerage's Chicago office, Dann Insurance, and the United States Corporate Recovery Practice from KPMG LLP; and
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WHEREAS, In 2009, Mr. Tyree led an investment group that took the Chicago Sun-Times' parent company out of bankruptcy, and in 2000, Mr. Tyree was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to serve as Chairman ofthe City Colleges system, where he served with pride and distinction for 10 years; and ' -
WHEREAS, A well-respected and admired member of the business community, throughout his long and distinguished career Mr. Tyree served on more than 50 corporate and civic boards, including the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago; the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; the Executive's Club of Chicago; and the Economic Club of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tyree, whose drive to succeed in business was only surpassed by his deep commitment to the community, will always be remembered as a tireless advocate for organizations that support health care, education and children, including serving on the board of the Big Shoulders Fund; Ulich Children's Network; the Illinois State University Foundation; the Illinois Institute of Technology; the Illinois Education Foundation; the University of Chicago Medical Center; the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Board, where he served as chairman from 2006 to 2008; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Illinois Chapter, where he was a life member of the board and named the organization's 2004 Person of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Renowned for his great generosity, Mr. Tyree selflessly gave of his time and money to many charities, and championed research on diabetes, a disease that affected; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tyree married his wife, Eve, in 1996, and they became the proud parents of three children, Jessica, Matthew and Joseph; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tyree was an inspirational leader whose life was characterized by a decency, integrity, and goodness seldom equaled, and through all of his endeavors, he
complemented his honesty and passion with a refreshing sense of humility; and
WHEREAS, Although Mr. Tyree will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues, his memory will live on in their hearts forever; and
WHEREAS, The passing of this devoted husband and loving father will be deeply felt by his family and friends, especially his wife, Eve; his daughter, Jessica; his two sons, Matthew and Joseph; and a host of other relatives and friends; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirteenth day of April, 2011 do hereby commemorate and honor James Tryee for all his accomplishments and do hereby extend our deepest sympathy to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Tyree as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.
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