RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, James Bidwill has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of seventy-seven; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, James Bidwill was a widely admired booster of Chicago's business community; and
WHEREAS, James Bidwill was the loving father of Debbie and Michelle and the grandfather of six to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities which he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, An executive with the Merchandise Mart for nearly thirty years, James Bidwill was considered the public face of the institution; and
WHEREAS, James Bidwill traveled the world to promote Chicago and was regarded by many in the business community as the City's ambassador; and
WHEREAS, James Bidwill played a vital role in several of Chicago's business organizations, often acting as a liaison between the business community and city politicians; and
WHEREAS, James Bidwill inspired the lives of countless people through his great personal goodness, charity and concern; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of James Bidwill serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, James Bidwill will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, James Bidwill 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 thirteenth day of April, 2011, do hereby commemorate James Bidwill 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 Bidwill.