James R. Thompson

James Robert Thompson Jr. (May 8, 1936 – August 14, 2020) was an American politician, lobbyist, and federal prosecutor who served as the 37th governor of Illinois from 1977 to 1991. He was Illinois's longest-serving governor, having been elected to four consecutive terms and holding the office for 14 years.

James R. Thompson
Thompson in 1985
Chair of the Intelligence Oversight Board
In office
February 26, 1990  January 20, 1993
PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush
Preceded byGlenn W. Campbell
Succeeded byWilliam Crowe
37th Governor of Illinois
In office
January 10, 1977  January 14, 1991
LieutenantDave O'Neal
George Ryan
Preceded byDan Walker
Succeeded byJim Edgar
Chair of the National Governors Association
In office
August 2, 1983  July 31, 1984
Preceded byScott Matheson
Succeeded byJohn Carlin
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
In office
1971–1975
PresidentRichard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Preceded byWilliam J. Bauer
Succeeded bySamuel K. Skinner
Personal details
Born
James Robert Thompson Jr.

(1936-05-08)May 8, 1936
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedAugust 14, 2020(2020-08-14) (aged 84)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJayne Carr
Children1
EducationUniversity of Illinois, Chicago
Washington University (BA)
Northwestern University (JD)

Thompson was known as a "Rockefeller Republican", as he took more liberal stances on certain issues during his tenure. In later years, Thompson served as a member of the 9/11 Commission, charged with investigating the September 11 attacks.

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