RESOLUTION NO. __________, SERIES 2017
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A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES ALBERT "JIMMY" ELLIS. (AMENDED BY SUBSTITUTION.)
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBER BARBARA SEXTON SMITH
WHEREAS, James Albert Ellis, A.K.A. Jimmy, was born on February 24, 1940 in Louisville to Elizabeth and Walter Ellis, the Pastor at Riverview Baptist Church, and lived in the Smoketown neighborhood;
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis sang in the church choir and continued to be involved in the church all of his adult life;
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis, one of Louisville's Hometown Heroes, was a Heavyweight Champion, taking over the title in 1968 by winning an eight-man tournament held when Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title;
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis was not only a friend and sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, but also fought him twice as an amateur, losing the first bout and winning the second;
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis continued his love for boxing through training others after his boxing career ended;
WHEREAS, from 1988 to 2003, Mr. Ellis worked at Louisville Metro Parks managing the Athletic and Recreation programs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis died on May 6, 2014, leaving behind his legacy as a beloved hero, friend, and servant to his community.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: Jimmy Ellis's leadership and service to Louisville is hereby recognized with the placement of honorary street signs at the southwest corner at the intersection of West Jefferson Street and Third Street and the southwest corner of West Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Third Street in Louisville, Kentucky, and so designated as "Jimmy Ellis Way."
SECTION II: The Department of Public Works is hereby directed to move forward with fabrication and installation of the honorary signs upon the passage of this Resolution and the receipt of funds to cover the expense.
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