IL SR1349

Declares January 10, 2021 as Governor James "Big Jim" Thompson Day in Illinois to commemorate the forty-fourth anniversary of his inauguration as governor.

Governor Thompson served as Illinois' longest-serving governor from 1977 to 1991, elected in 1976 and re-elected in 1978, 1982, and 1986.

Recognizes Thompson's accomplishments including navigating Illinois through 1970s economic challenges, retaining the Chicago White Sox, creating the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, and constructing the James R. Thompson Center.

Thompson's career included service as Cook County prosecutor (1959-1964), Northwestern University Law School associate professor, Illinois Attorney General's Office chief, and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois (1971).

Governor Thompson passed away August 14, 2020, at age 84; a suitable copy of the resolution shall be presented to his widow, Jayne Thompson.