MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Elder Hiram Jackson, most beloved citizen, to his eternal reward, March 20, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of his passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Elder Hiram Jackson was born on September 18, 1928 in Meadville, Mississippi. He attended Meadville High School, born out of an old Army camp which his father was instrumental in building. Hiram played on an award-winning basketball team as a guard alongside his brothers, Henry and Jewel; and
WHEREAS, Hiram joined the Army in 1951 at the start of the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Army Infantry 25th Division, 35th Regiment. During his service, Hiram survived a military conflict although he suffered a ruptured eardrum and a concussion from a mortar explosion. As a result, Hiram was honored with the Purple Heart for his service and bravery. His military experience helped mold him into a disciplined and courageous man and a strong example for others; and
WHEREAS, Hiram met and married the love of his life, Annie Mae Collins, on August 11, 1956. Hiram earned a certificate from Guild's Tailoring School through Dunbar Vocational School. He and his bothers operated an upholstery business out of his home. His wife participated in the business by making customized slip covers. Several years later, his career path changed and he began employment with Spector Freight Trucking Company; and
WHEREAS, Hiram was a devoted family man. He and his wife were blessed with fourteen children, twelve of whom are still living. A traveler at heart, he delighted in taking his family on many vacations. He and his wife made it a priority for the family to spend quality time together; and
WHEREAS, While relaxation was necessary, education was essential. Hiram stressed the importance of higher education to his children and every generation thereafter. All of his children graduated from college, some obtained postgraduate degrees. Those values remained with his family as several of his grandchildren attend college or have graduated with multiple degrees. His influence also encouraged many members of his congregation to aspire to higher education as well; and
WHEREAS, Hiram became the senior pastor at Rehoboth Apostolic Worship Center (f/k/a True Holiness Pentecostal Church) in 1984. He worked tirelessly to help the 34th Ward a viable, clean neighborhood for its residents. Hiram worked with the Alderman and other community leaders to remove an infamous 24 hour liquor store, replaced by a State of the Art Public Library. He believed in community outreach and continued to touch the lives of the people, particularly youth, in and around the area; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Pastor Jackson retired as Pastor of True Holiness and continued service as the Pastor Emeritus of the Church. In 2005, in recognition of his commitment to ministry, community and an unyielding belief in higher education, Rehoboth Apostolic Worship Center established the Hiram Jackson Scholarship Fund providing financial support to students in need; and
WHEREAS, Elder Hiram Jackson will be remembered as a true man of God, a man of quiet strength and grace with a warm and welcoming smile. What a testament to a man whose influence has encouraged so many; and
WHEREAS, Elder Hiram Jackson was an individual of great integrity and accomplishments who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers. The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Elder Hiram Jackson serves as an example to all; now, therefore
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this thirteenth day of April, 2016 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Elder Hiram Jackson and express to his family and friends our deepest sympathy; 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 Elder Hiram Jackson as a token of our honor, gratitude and respect.