TRIBUTE TO REVEREND JAMES R. IRONS
WHEREAS; In His Infinite Wisdom, Almighty God has granted his devout servant, Reverend James R. Irons, eternal life on September 7, 2010; and
WHEREAS; Reverend James R. Irons was born April 21, 1939 in Aberdeen, Mississippi to the Reverend and Mrs. G.C. Irons who preceded him in death. He was the eight of nine siblings and attended elementary school in Earl, Arkansas as well as Shivers High School in Aberdeen, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS; Reverend James R. Irons found hope and love in Christ at a young age. Later in life, he met the love of his life, Francy Starks. They had two children; Sonya and Jeffrey. Shortly thereafter, they extended their family with the addition of a son, John and four daughters; Sade, Keyanna, Nakeisha and Sherry; and
WHEREAS; Reverend James R. Irons was an automotive mechanic for more than fifty years. He also owned and operated his own auto repair business for more than four decades; and
WHEREAS; Reverend James R. Irons was a faithful member of the Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon under the late Pastor Morgan James Sr. and Sister Morgan James. He also devoted his time as a Sunday School Teacher and Supervisor of the Ushers Ministry under the direction of Revered Floyd D. James Sr.; and
WHEREAS; In 1995, Revered James R. Irons accepted the call of ministry and became a licensed minister to be later ordained on March 10, 2007 by Revered Floyd D. James Sr. He also served as the Pastor of the Rayfield Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago; and
WHEREAS; As a Pastor of the Rayfield Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend James R. Irons instituted many programs that included transforming Rayfield Missionary Baptist Church into a tithing and evangelistic church. He was a generous and kind hearted person who would give of himself to anyone in need; and
WHEREAS; This august body has been informed of the Reverend James R. Iron's transition by the Honorable Sandi Jackson, Alderman of the 7th Ward; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED; That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled on this 3rd Day of November, 2010 AD, do hereby express our sincere sorrow at the passing of Reverend James R. Iron and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Reverend James R. Irons.