James R. Thompson, known to Illinoisans as Big Jim, served as the state's governor from January, 1977 to January, 1991, a total of fourteen years. Thompson first came to prominence when he was U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and especially when he successfully prosecuted former governor Otto Kerner on corruption charges. During his long tenure as governor, he developed a reputation as a moderate Republican who was a fiscal conservative, but also a friend of labor and a builder, with Build Illinois being his administration's signature achievement. He traveled the world promoting Illinois and its products. He also had a passion for history and antiques, and thus created the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in support of those passions. Following his many years in office, he worked in the private sector, serving as the chair of the important Chicago law firm, Winston and Strawn for many years. He also found time to serve on the 9/11 Commission, and helped defend his long-time friend, Governor George Ryan during Ryan's corruption trial. Thompson has maintained a high profile and been highly popular throughout his long career.
Interview Links
Feature Excerpts 01 (Audio)
Beers During Parades
Abstract
Interview Session 01 (Audio)
Early childhood and education
Interview Session 02 (Audio)
States Attorney work in early 1960s and teaching at Northwestern U. Law School
Interview Session 03 (Audio)
Years with U.S. Attorney’s Office (Northern District), 1970-1976
Interview Session 04 (Audio)
Prosecution of former Governor Otto Kerner, 1970-1973
Interview Session 07 (Audio)
More on the 1976 election, and setting up the Thompson administration team
Interview Session 08 (Audio)
Thompson’s first year - 1977
Interview Session 09 (Audio)
Thompson administration in 1978 and gubernatorial election with M. Bakalis
Interview Session 10 (Audio)
The 1978 election cont., and the Thompson administration in 1979
Interview Session 11 (Audio)
Chicago schools, 1981 budget negotiations, and 1980 presidential election
Interview Session 12 (Audio)
Staff changes, selection of IL Senate president, and administration in 1981
Interview Session 13 (Audio)
Election of 1982 against Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson III
Interview Session 14 (Audio)
Election of 1982, cont.
Interview Session 15 (Audio)
Thompson and the press, Tylenol scare, and administration’s year in 1983
Interview Session 16 (Audio)
Economic crisis of 1983, 1984 budget, pension payment and collective bargaining
Interview Session 19 (Audio)
Creation of IHPA, and election campaign of 1986 against Adlai Stevenson
Interview Session 20 (Audio)
Staff changes following reelection, budget talks, and 1987 attempt to raise taxes
Interview Session 21 (Audio)
Thompson administration in 1988 and funding for new White Sox stadium
Interview Session 22 (Audio)
1989 budget year, DCFS and mental health, and passage of income tax surcharge
Interview Session 23 (Audio)
Thompson administration in 1990, RUTAN, patronage
Interview Session 24 (Audio)
A review of fourteen years in office, and Thompson’s move into retirement
Interview Session 25 (Audio)
Thompson’s career at Winston and Strawn law firm during the 1990s
Interview Session 26 (Audio)
Reflections on state and national level politics during the 1990s
Interview Session 27 (Audio)
2000 Presidential election, Navy Pier, 1990s terrorism and 9/11
Interview Session 28 (Audio)
Serving on the 9/11 Commission and review of the Commission findings
Interview Session 29 (Audio)
Thompson’s relationship with George Ryan and Ryan’s corruption trial
Interview Session 30 (Audio)
Hollinger International board, Rod Blagojevich years and 2004 Senatorial election
Interview Session 31 (Audio)
Videos
Photos
Caption
Thompson greets people on the street during the 1976 campaign for Governor.
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1976
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Thompson sits atop a horse during the 1978 campaign for Governor.
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1978
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Inauguration of James Thompson after his victory in the 1978 election.
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Springfield, Illinois
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1978
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Caption
James, Jayne, and “Gov” Thompson
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Springfield. Illinois
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Caption
James and Samantha Thompson at the Chicago Cubs baseball game.
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James and Jayne Thompson walk in a parade.
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James Thompson official photo.
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James Thompson during an interview with Mark DePue in 2015
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2015
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