Thompson, James R.

Thompson, James R.

(1936– ) governor; born in Chicago. A lawyer, he was assistant state's attorney for Cook County (1959–64), arguing criminal civil rights cases before the Illinois and U.S. Supreme Courts. A Northwestern assistant law professor (1964–69), he became U.S. attorney (1971–75), prosecuting corrupt public officials. As Republican governor of Illinois (1977–87), he passed a "Class X" crime law, mandating a minimum six-year sentence for violent crimes. He left office and returned to practicing law.