Title
To honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Dr. James A. Rayfield, and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing Monday, March 7th, 2011.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Rayfield was born in Mobile, Alabama, and spent his formative years in Sandusky, Ohio, where he was a lettered track star at Sandusky High School; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from high school, Dr. Rayfield joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country with distinction and earned the rank of Master Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1964 and established a successful practice in Columbus, where he provided expert care to his patients for over forty-five years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rayfield was a member of the Ohio Dental Association and several other professional organizations, and was also very active in his community, serving as the vice chair of the Coming Home project and volunteering his time to help developmentally-delayed and autistic children and the homeless; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rayfield enjoyed serving as a mentor in the business community, where he was able to impart to others the philosophy that guided his life: "Never give up, never quit"; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rayfield was preceded in death by his parents John and Alberta, as well as his seven brothers and two sisters; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, Cassandra; children Danita, Abaree (Jimmy), Jon (Debra), and Michael (Rita); grandchildren, Brandon, Sarah, Christian, Jordan, Jonathan, and Josh; a host of nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends, colleagues, admirers, and grateful patients; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Dr. James A. Rayfield, and extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing Monday, March 7th, 2011.