RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, James E. Clark has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward,M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Oak Brook, James EClark was the loving and devoted husband for 61 years of Ruth; and
WHEREAS, James E. Clark was the much-;adored father of Jeffrey, the brother of Stella, the grandfather of four and the great-grandfather of two to whom he imparted .many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, James E. Clark attended Washburne Trade School and served his country during the Korean War in both the United States Navy and Army; and
WHEREAS, Following hismilitary service,.Jame.s E. Clark worked for two , decades for the Chicago Transit Authority where he was a switchman 1 and yard foreman; and
WHEREAS, James E. Clark moved to Elmhurst in 1965 and joined the Oak Brook Fire Department where he rose through the ranks to serve as Chief from 1977 to 1988;Iand
WHEREAS, James E. Clark played an influential role in championing the passage of the statewide law mandating smoke detectors in residential buildings; and
WHEREAS, James E. Clark also successfully pushed for adoption of an ordinance requiring sprinkler systems for commercial buildings in Oak Brook and implemented^ system which automatically gives emergency vehicles a green light "at jail intersections; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of James E. Clark serve as an example to .all; and
WHEREAS, His love^-bf life and ability to live it to. the fullest endeared James E. Clark to his ■ family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways.they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, An individual of great character, intelligence and charisma, James E. Clark will be fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his- beloved family,,James E. Clark imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of March, 2015, do hereby commemorate James E. Clark for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James j&. Clark. /