RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, John R. Powers has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 67; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers was the loving and devoted husband of JaNelle; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers was the much-adored father of Jacey and Joy to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers was the cherished brother of Margo Sorrick, Gay Powers and the late Randy Powers; and
WHEREAS, A native of Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood, John R. Powers attended St. Christina Grade School and graduated from Brother Rice High School; and
WHEREAS, A talented storyteller of gentle wit and satirical power, John R. Powers wrote a popular series of novels based on his experiences growing up Catholic in a Chicago working-class family; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers' book, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, inspired both a successful play and a musical that have continued to delight audiences with a mixture of nostalgic hilarity and bittersweet commentary on a by-gone era; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers earned his bachelor's degree from Chicago's Loyola University and his Ph.D. in communications from Northwestern University; and
WHEREAS, John R. Powers touched the lives of many through his work as a dynamic motivational speaker and a generous supporter of many worthy causes; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and wisdom of John R. Powers serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared John R. Powers to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, John R. Powers 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, ass...
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