HR0734 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0734 LRB104 21197 LAW 35685 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Jerry R. Buford of Chicago, who passed away on March 3, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford, the son of Juanita Buford-Puckett and Larry Tierney, was born on the West Side of Chicago on October 3, 1966; he attended John Hay Community Academy and Oak Park and River Forest High School, where he started his group, the P Boys; he studied at Loyola University Chicago from 1986 to 1990, during which he pursued stand-up comedy, hosting a college comedy tour and performing at various venues, and he later performed at the iconic comedy club All Jokes Aside and other venues throughout the Chicagoland area; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford developed an early interest in sales while working at the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company building on State Street in Chicago, where he sold shoes; he ultimately became a top insurance broker in Illinois; during his nearly 40-year career, he earned numerous accolades, including being named Salesman of the Year multiple times; he was also a top salesman at the Joe Perillo car dealership; his dedication, charisma, and ability to connect with people made him highly successful in his career; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford was baptized and committed to his faith an early age, attending church with his brother, Glennis, and his family; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford was a man of many talents and interests; he was also a car enthusiast, and he enjoyed photography, smoking cigars, hosting gatherings, traveling, and a number of sports, including skiing, golfing, basketball, and tennis; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford was a man with a bold style and a charming spirit; he lived life to the fullest and possessed a remarkable ability to find humor, wisdom, or a lesson in everything; he was known for his spirit, humor, and presence; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Harold, Kimmy, Ricky, and Billy; and his sister, Linda; and

WHEREAS, Jerry Buford is survived by his siblings, Danny, Glennis (Chirapannee), Stanley, and Janice; his stepfather, Horace Puckett; his children, Christopher (Cachela), Ashley, Tyler, Jada, Justin, Akeelah, Naomi, Jerry Jr., Jhianna, and Akayla; eight grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Jerry R. Buford 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 Jerry Buford as an expression of our deepest sympathy.