There is a story that is receiving considerable attention in Chicago. Jim Thompson, Illinois’s longest serving governor (from 1976-1991) has died. ABC 7 Chicago reports:
Former Illinois Governor James Thompson is dead at 84.
His family told ABC 7 Chicago he was going through rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Streeterville when he suddenly was stricken and passed Friday evening at age 84.
The Republican was Illinois’ longest-serving governor.
Affectionately known as “Big Jim,” the native Chicagoan was elected for four consecutive terms and served 14 years from 1976 to 1991.
Thompson notably helped keep the White Sox Chicago’s South Side team.
Prior to becoming governor, he worked in the Cook County state’s attorney’s office and was appointed by President Nixon to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
As a federal prosecutor, Thompson worked to convict former Illinois governor Otto Kerner. And after serving the post himself, Thompson tried to keep his friend and former republican governor George Ryan out of prison.
After leaving office, he joined the Chicago law firm Winston & Strawn. In 1993, he became chairman of the firm.
You can mark the beginning of the decline of the Illinois Republican Party from the end of Gov. Thompson’s tenure in office.
I was vaguely acquainted with him. I sold antiques in the stall next to his at the Kane County Fairgrounds more than 40 years ago. We spent a pleasant afternoon chatting, presumably about collectibles.
