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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of  James B. 
4Blanton III; and
  
 
5    WHEREAS, James Blanton III was born on February 6, 1949; 
6his parents were Martha and James Blanton Jr.; he married Emily 
7Blanton on December 25, 1976; and
  
 
8    WHEREAS, James Blanton III was a native of Knoxville, 
9Tennessee; he earned his high school diploma from Austin High 
10School in 1967, his bachelor's degree in commerce from 
11Knoxville College in 1971, and his master's degree in business 
12administration from the University of Tennessee in 1973; and
  
 
13    WHEREAS, James Blanton III dedicated his life to improving 
14the world around him and making a difference that would 
15strengthen the brotherhood of man; he supported numerous 
16causes, including youth issues, the protection of civil rights 
17for all, enhancing educational opportunities, leadership 
18development, and developing innovative programs that would 
19empower young men; and
  
 
20    WHEREAS, James Blanton III served in Alpha Phi Alpha 
21National Headquarters for more than 21 years, 17 of those years 
 
 
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1as the Executive Director; he served as the President for 
2Chicago Youth and Community Services and BECOM Inc. of Chicago; 
3he was a member of the PHA family, North Star Lodge #1, Pride 
4of Hiriam Ct #55, LCOP, Talma Chapter #2, Arabic Ct #44, the 
5Knights Templar, Commandery, Western Consistory #28, and Holy 
6Royal Arch; he was also an active member of more than 20 
7fraternity investment groups; and
 
8    WHEREAS, James Blanton III was the recipient of over 10 
9honorary listings from such groups as Who's Who in America to 
10Outstanding Community Leaders of America; and
 
11    WHEREAS, James Blanton III was preceded in death by his 
12parents; and
 
13    WHEREAS, James Blanton III is survived by his loving wife 
14of 36 years, Emily; his sons, Joseph (Tressy), Sidney, and 
15James IV (Chris); his grandchildren, Dewayne, Andre, Darius, 
16Avery, and Jo Via; his sisters, Emily B. Mathis, Rose B. Davis 
17and Paulette B. Herbin; his brother, Michael W. Wanton; his 
18sisters-in-law, Jo Ann (Larry) Davis and Lia Via (Henry) Clark; 
19his brother-in-law, Romia Woods; and his many nieces, nephews, 
20great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and 
21great-great nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it
  
 
22    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
 
 
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1NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that 
2we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of 
3James B. Blanton III; and be it further
  
 
4    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
5presented to the family of James Blanton III as an expression 
6of our sympathy.