(Thompson speaks at a news conference in Chicago in 2007. Photo by M. Spencer Green/Associated Press)
Former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson has passed away.
Thompson died Friday night at a Chicago hospital after suffering from heart problems. He was 84.
Thompson, also known as “Big Jim Thompson,” served as the governor of Illinois from 1977 until 1991. He is the longest-serving governor in state history. Before that, he was a federal prosecutor in Chicago during the 1970’s, where he was successful in the conviction of a Chicago alderman and was a part of the prosecution of Vice President Spiro Agnew and former governor Otto Kerner.
Former governor Pat Quinn praised Thompson’s efforts to root out corruption in the state.
“As US Attorney, he brought to justice scores of corrupt public officials,” Quinn said. “As Governor of Illinois for a record 14 years, Jim Thompson always remained true to his conscience and convictions. He has strengthened the annual conference of US midwest states and the people and businesses of Japan, an international legacy of friendship that created and maintained thousands of jobs in Illinois.”
Current Governor J.B. Pritzker said that Thompson “dedicated himself to building positive change for Illinois, and he set an example of public service for which Illinoisans should be proud of.”
Widely respected throughout the state, Thompson’s name graces the state government office in Chicago, the James R. Thompson Center.
