Bill Text: IL HR0996 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Mourns the death of Bishop James Curtis Austin Sr. of Chicago.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-07-14 - Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Jawaharial Williams [HR0996 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR0996-Introduced.html

---

HR0996 LRB104 22502 ECR 38947 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop
James Curtis Austin Sr. of Chicago, who passed away on June 30,
2026; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was born on January 3, 1946; he
received his call to ministry prior to receiving a degree in
biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of
Illinois in 1967; he was joined in holy matrimony to his
beloved wife, Lady Vernesta T. Austin, with whom he shared a
beautiful life, including raising their children, James Jr.
(Yashika), Dorcas, Prisca, and Marcus, and grandchildren,
James Curtis "Hudson" Austin III and Violet Dolores Austin;
and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was a dedicated pastor, spiritual
teacher, and uncompromising preacher of his faith; he was
appointed pastor of the St. Luke Church of God in Christ, the
largest progressive Pentecostal church on the Near North Side
of Chicago, in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was consecrated to the sacred
office of bishop in 2004, serving as the Prelate of Illinois
East Fifth Jurisdiction and overseeing more than 15 churches

HR0996 - 2 - LRB104 22502 ECR 38947 r
in the Church of God in Christ while also serving with
distinction in The National Adjutancy Corps of the Church Of
God In Christ; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin continuously served the underserved
and the underprivileged in the Near North Chicago community,
where St. Luke has stood for more than 75 years, and around the
world, partnering with organizations, including Tabitha House,
a home for the homeless, and supporting the nation of Liberia
in West Africa, which became a special concern of his heart
after traveling there in March 2018; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was a visionary leader whose
accomplishments included producing "The Legacy of a Leader", a
commemorative documentary on the life of the late Bishop
Charles Harrison Mason, and authoring two inspiring books,
Preach, a collaboration with Lady Austin, and The God-Ordained
Life; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin led the St. Luke Church of God in
Christ Youth Choir to great acclaim, having served as its
president, director, and soloist since its formation in 1963,
leading the choir to record for Harold Freeman's Righteous
label, GJ, Millennial, and privately-pressed albums; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Austin found joy during his downtime in

HR0996 - 3 - LRB104 22502 ECR 38947 r
riding his bike along the Chicago lakefront, taking brisk
walks, traveling, reading, and spending cherished moments with
his family; 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 Bishop James Curtis Austin Sr. 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 Bishop Austin as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.