RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE LIFE OF JAMES L. WHIGHAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom has called James L. Whigham, former Chicago Police Deputy Superintendent, from this life to eternal life on Friday, July 4, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been apprised of James L. Whigham's passing by Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics; and
WHEREAS, A native son of Chicago, James L. Whigham was born on April 4, 1947 to the union of Odeal Iola Whigham and Jimmie Whigham. James was raised in the historic East Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago's great west side. He received a Catholic school primary and secondary education and graduated from Quigley Seminary; and
WHEREAS, James. L. Whigham, a veteran of the United States Army served his country proudly during the Vietnam War from October, 1966 through September, 1968 and received an Honorable Discharge; and
WHEREAS, Having joined "Chicago's Finest" in 1965, former Deputy Superintendent James L. Whigham gave tirelessly of his time and energies in maintaining public peace through respect for and enforcement of the law. During his outstanding career, he served as a Patrol Officer, Narcotics Detective, Patrol Sergeant,.Patrol Lieutenant, Police Inspector, Police Captain, Commander of Police Districts 11 and 2 in the Training Academy and Assistant Deputy Superintendent, Deputy Chief of Patrol; and
WHEREAS, In March, 1991, James L. Whigham was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police in command of four police bureaus, administrative, community, staff and technical services, where he remained until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, James L. Whigham served as the Chicago Police Department project coordinator for the construction of the "911" Centers; Homan Square Police Complex, new proto type police stations and the new Chicago Police Headquarters in Bronzeville; and
WHEREAS, Upon retiring from the Chicago Police Department, Mr.-Whigham was recommended by the Honorable Richard Durbin to the White House and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate of the 106th Congress, President Clinton appointed him as the first African American United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, James L. Whigham served with distinction as Chief of Staff to the Honorable John Stroger, President of Cook County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, James L. Whigham earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Chicago State University and graduated from Northwestern University's Public Safety Institute and the Executive Strategic Management Program of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He was also an adjunct professor of police management at Northwestern University's School of Public Safety; and
WHEREAS, His parents, Odeal Iola and Jimmie Whigham, having preceded him in death, Mr. James L. Whigham leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his beloved children, James L.Whigham Jr. (Taqura), Summer
Lenora and Jonathan Otis; his loving sisters. Patricia Jones (Sharntel, Philip), Odeal Woddard (Yvett, Violene (Bobby), Janel (Bernard), Janetta and Raquel (Nathan); his brother in blue and life, Joe Price (Blanche); his godchildren DeOnna, David and Carol; his trusted friend, Lynn; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow officers, colleagues and a multitude of friends; and
WHEREAS, As the Chicago City Council joins his family and friends in mourning the loss of this exemplary citizen, police officer, father and friend, we offer them our most sincere condolences; now therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this thirtieth day of July 2014 A.D., do hereby honor the life and memory of James L. Whigham.
Be It Further Resolved, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of James L. Whigham.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS
Alderman - 8th Ward
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