IL SR2444

James K. Polk of Peoria died on November 8, 2016; he was born June 13, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee to Charlie and Nellie Jones Polk.

Served as Peoria County Board member from 1972-1976 and 1982-1985, and as Peoria City Councilman for the First District from 1985-1993, as the first African American elected to those positions.

Served on the Illinois Central College Board of Trustees since 1997, the Greater Peoria Mass Transit-City Link Board of Trustees since 2007, and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission for 10 years as Chairman.

Received the 2015 Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Tom Connor Service Award, 2015 Peoria Magazines Local Legends award, and 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service Leadership Award.

Illinois Senate expresses condolences to his surviving family including wife Patti (married 17 years), three children, two stepchildren, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.