WLS told the family, Thompson was receiving treatment and recovering in a downtown Chicago rehab center when “he was suddenly hit and passed away Friday night.”
The Republican governor was the longest-serving governor in the state of Illinois. Thompson was first elected governor of Illinois in 1976 and was re-elected after four consecutive terms, ending his term in office in January 1991.
up to date Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statement, saying: “On behalf of the entire state of Illinois, MK and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Governor Jim Thompson. As the longest serving governor in Illinois history, ‘Big Jim’ was known for to treat people he opposed with kindness and decency.He dedicated himself to building positive change for Illinois, and he set an example for public services of which Illinoisans should be proud.He will be remembered and respected as one of the titans in the history of state government. “
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