RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, James Charles Payton peacefully made his transition to join his Heavenly Father on November 25, 2015 at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, James Charles Payton was a natural born leader with an imaginative mind, affectionately called Charlie or Jimmy by his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James Charles Payton worked at radio stations in Philadelphia while pursuing his education; and
WHEREAS, Working as a Master of Ceremonies for acts such as Stylistics, Blue Magic, Stevie Wonder, The O'Jays, and Frank Sinatra, he traveled the world and met people from all different walks of life; and
WHEREAS, James Charles Payton worked with The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson Five, and Blue Magic at Radio City Music Hall; and
WHEREAS, James Charles Payton performed at the world famous Royal Albert Hall in front of The Queen of England; and
WHEREAS, He made history in Las Vegas, Nevada by becoming the first African-American ring announcer for boxing events; and
WHEREAS, James often served as the Master of Ceremonies at philanthropic and charity events across the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, James leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife Mable Buckner-Payton, his son James Payton Jr., his grandchildren Jada and Christian, a brother Leslie Payton, a sister Betty Payton, and countless admirers and friends; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this tenth day of February, 2016, do hereby honor the life and memory of James Charles Payton; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of James Charles Payton as a sign of our sympathy and good wishes.