April 4, 2007
PARK FOREST (April 4)—On March 16 the Chicago media reported the brutal slaying of a 19-year-old musician and legal assistant, Johnathan B. Fields, in his apartment in Chicago’s uptown neighborhood.
The young man had been stabbed repeatedly by an unknown assailant. Police are still canvassing the neighborhood and examining evidence for leads to the killer.
Not reported was the identity of the victim’s father, Brother Jeffrey Fields, president of UTU Local 1290.
Nor was it reported that the Fields family had provided temporary foster care for a number of children over the years, including Johnathan, whom they ultimately adopted.
Now the Fields family is commemorating their son’s passing by establishing a foundation in his name that will provide counseling to other children in foster care.
The Johnathan B Fields Foundation also will promote the music the young man loved and produced, including several works that were played at his funeral.
“Many foster children need counseling but are being cared for by families who cannot afford such services,” said Local 1290 Chairman Barry Abbott. “The Fields family began taking in foster children many years ago, and now they’re reaching out to make sure other families can provide these children with proper care. It just shows the character of the Fields family—the kind of people they are.”
Donations to the fund made prior to April 30 should be made payable to the Oakwoods Center. After that date they should be made out to the Johnathan B. Fields Foundation and mailed to Lynn Lidbury, Oakwoods Center, 23540 Western Avenue, Park Forest, IL 60466.
