Yesterday, I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of Attorney Thomas E. Johnson and his wife, Attorney Leslie Ann Jones at their home in west suburban Oak Park, Illinois. I had the distinct privilege of knowing Tom for over 35 years. We met during the 1983 mayoral campaign of the late Mayor Harold Washington.
Attorney Johnson and his wife were both partners in the Chicago law firm of Johnson, Jones, Snelling, Gilbert and Davis. He was an exceptionally brilliant lawyer, particularly in the areas of employment, housing and real estate and election law. Attorney Johnson represented me in an election law petition circulation matter in 1983-84. We took the case all the way up to the Illinois Appellate Court, establishing important case law in the manner of petition signature collection in the State of Illinois.
I was both humbled and honored to have Attorney Johnson cite my case in his resume on his firm’s website. I learned a great deal about election law and the process of accessing the ballot from Attorney Johnson. Our legal community has lost an esteemed and passionate advocate and I have lost a true friend. I am grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross and pray that the Lord will grant peace and comfort to the family, friends and colleagues of Attorney Johnson and his wife.