RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Bishop Willie James Campbell, a most dearly respected citizen and servant, noble community advocate, inspirational bishop and mentor, cherished husband and loving family man, to his eternal reward on November 7, 2020; and
WHERERAS, This august body has been informed of Bishop Willie James Campbell's passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Campbell was blessed to minister, transform and empower residents on the far south side and across the city as an evangelist, community leader and pastor for more than 40 years. Bishop Campbell remained committed to sowing seeds of neighborhood revitalization, as well as preaching the good news ofthe gospel; and
WHEREAS, As a spiritually-minded orator, Bishop Willie J. Campbell is renowned for pastoring of St. James Ministries Church of God in Christ—the "Judah Complex." The good pastor was appointed by Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake to serve on the General Board's office of the President of the Department of Evangelism for the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and in 2013 ordained to the bishopric; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Willie James Campbell journey has afforded occasion to counsel civil and religious leaders across the United States, morally develop leadership to empower the Kingdom of God; and
WHEREAS, Having touched many lives through genuine kindness, generosity and encouragement within his community and at-large, Bishop Willie J. Campbell, was blessed with national and international outreach through his broad ministry work. He was featured on the Word Network, Streaminfaith.com and other Christian outlets. His labor likewise endowed fellowship with Bishop Charles E. Blake, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop John Frances, the late Bishop G.E. Patterson, the late Bishop Wagner, Bishop Charles Ellis, and among others.
WHEREAS, The many fruits of Bishop's labor also rewarded him in matrimony with an adoring and devoted wife and home -life with dutiful children. A true man of God who will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered for his compassion, unconditional love, nurturing soul and exemplary accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, He leaves to cherish his loving memory, an adoring wife, Dr. Lori Campbell, children, Tjuan Gibbs, James Darnell Campbell, Jesse Campbell, Jared Campbell, Bridgette Hunt, Meisha Campbell and Kayla Campbell, as well as a host of friends, including Alderman Carrie M. Austin; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered via a Virtual Meeting using Zoom technology due to the current pandemic, on the 16th day of December, 2020, do hereby extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Bishop Willie James Campbell; and
CARRIE M. AUSTIN Alderman, 34th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Bishop Willie James Campbell as a sign of our honor and respect.