ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO;
SECTION I. Pursuant to an ordinance heretofore passed by the City Council which allows erection of honorary street-name signs, the Commissioner of Transportation shall take the necessary action for standardization ofthe 6000 block of South Melvina Avenue as "Big Tom Way."
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication.
MARTY QUINN U Alderman, 13th Ward
Biography
Thomas F. Markham Jr. was born on the Fourth of July in 1957; fireworks ignited the beginning of a spectacular and influential life. Tom grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago where he turned to sports not only as a hobby but also as a lifestyle. His family later moved to the town of Cicero. He graduated from Grimes School and received a sports scholarship to attend De LaSalle High School lo play football. This gave him a chance to succeed in ways he would not have been able to otherwise. He played wide receiver and tight end; Northern Michigan University recognized his ability and offered him a full scholarship to become a NMU Wildcat alongside his life-long friend, Brian Hickey.
Markham's love for sports did not end there. As an adult, he played 16-inch softball and was an avid bowler. However, his biggest sports accomplishment was that of Coach. In the year 2000, Markham began his coaching career al St. Symphorosa Catholic School in the Clearing Neighborhood. He coached basketball, baseball, and football for both of his sons with success. He and his team of coaches led the St. Syms Vikings 3rd Grade Boys' Basketball Team to their first championship in 2000 and then led the St. Syms football team to win the CGSC Junior Varsity Championship in 2003. He ended his Syms coaching career in 2006 but the values and lessons he taught on the court and the field still resonate with his players today. One player remembers him as the "most influential coach he's ever had," encouraging them to never settle, strive to be thc best, show swagger, and be proud of the work they put in. In his honor, St. Symphorosa o ffers the "Tom Markham Scholarship" to an 8th grader who excels in sports.
Along'with St. Syms, Markham also coached for many Clear Ridge Baseball Teams. In 2002, his son Tommy's 9-year-old "All Star" team won,sectionals in an upset - the opposing team even had a victory pizza waiting for them but ended up losing, ln 2003, the 10-year-old team went lo State and won; in 2004, the 11-year-old: team placed 3rd; and in 2005, the 12 year olds placed 5th. Markham made a name for the Clear Ridge "All Star" team, taking home titles that made the Southside of Chicago proud.
Besides being a great coach, Torn was also the best husband and father. He met his wife, Nancy, at End Zone bar on Western, and six months later, they were engaged. Thomas F. Markham Jr. and Nancy Ann McGleam were married on July 8, 1988 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Canaryville. They had three children: Brian George, Thomas Francis III and Quinn Kathleen. He was always involved with his son's sports and went to every father-daughter dance from Kindergarten to
Senior Year with his daughter Quinn. He was the life ofthe party and the first one to dance with the girls. He was outgoing, larger than life (not just because he was 6'6"), and could make anyone feel good. His number one job was being a dad, not just to his own children but to all of the kids in the neighborhood.
Tom was truly a force to be reckoned with. Even when he was diagnosed with cancer, he never wanted anyone to see him as weak or sick, even until very end. He wanted to always be known as strong, resilient, and living up to the nickname "Big Tom." And that is exactly how we all remember him.
Reasons for honoring
Thomas F. Markham, Jr. was a wonderful husband, father, friend and coach. His legacy embodies sportsmanship and family values. He encouraged his children and teams to always try their very best. He remains an inspiring example of the parent, coach and friend we should all strive to be.
Date:
Office of Budget and Management 121. N. LaSalle, Room 604! Chicago, IL 60602
To Whom It May Concern:
I, Mfi/T"^ ^Cfmn Alderman of the Ward, hereby authorize the Office of Budget Management to withdraw the funds associated with the cost of
installation for this honorary street designation for fc'i c \ dO^ LO^J
from my:
Ward's annual menu program budget
□ Ward's aldermanic expanse allowance
upon passage of this designation ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Chicago Municipal Code.
Sincerely,
S-MerrimacAyc Morr.mjy avc u .:.