James R. Reilly 1945 - 2022
James R. Reilly, 77, beloved husband of M. Veronica Lynch, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2022, from pneumonia-related complications in Chicago, Illinois.
He was born on January 31, 1945, in Springfield, Illinois, the cherished only child of the late James and Alta Reilly. In 1991, he married M. Veronica Lynch in Saugatuck, Michigan.
James (Jim) Reilly graduated from Springfield Illinois High School, received his BS degree from Illinois College and Juris Doctor (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Chicago. He practiced law with the firm of Foreman, Rammelkamp, Bradney and Hall in Jacksonville, Illinois, and served as the Jacksonville City Attorney. As an Illinois legislator, representing Jacksonville and West Central Illinois in the Illinois General Assembly, his legislative service was punctuated by his outstanding accomplishments in the area of child welfare and protection. He chaired the Illinois Education and State Government Committees and the Committee on Appropriations and was Chief Sponsor to the Illinois Human Rights Act, Emergency Medical Services Act, and championed reform for the Regional Transportation Authority.
Jim's impact on the city and state has been significant. While serving two Governors, the Honorable James R. Thompson and the Honorable James Edgar; two Mayors, the Honorable Richard M. Daley, and the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, he oversaw the development and complete renovation of Chicago's famous Navy Pier and the expansion of the McCormick Place Campus including the development of the South Building and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Jim was the Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), the agency that owns McCormick Place, the nation's largest convention center and Navy Pier, Illinois' top tourist and leisure destination. Under his leadership as Trustee for the MPEA, in accordance with the Illinois General Assembly's Reform Legislation of 2010, the MPEA enacted historic measures to ensure the economic vitality of McCormick Place and Navy Pier. These measures included the selection of a private management firm to run McCormick Place and entering into a lease agreement with the nonprofit Navy Pier Inc. to manage and redevelop Navy Pier.
Additional professional experiences included serving as Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, and Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Capital Development Board. He most recently served as Trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and Life Trustee of Navy Pier's Board of Directors.
His interests were many and varied, but first and foremost, he considered the highlight of his life to be his love and affection for his wife of 30 years, M. Veronica Lynch. They were true companions and best friends.
Trains, both real and model, were among his many favorite pastime passions, highlighted by showcasing his train network for his many nieces and nephews during the holiday gatherings. They, and all who knew him, enjoyed his quick wit and easy smile.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra reflected his appreciation and passion for music, surpassed only by his commitment and dedication to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In the sports world, as a true Chicagoan, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls were his rooting interests, although his years spent in downstate Illinois led to the St. Louis Cardinals becoming his favorite baseball team.
Jim's sense of adventure found him traveling extensively, both overseas and throughout the United States. His visits to Europe were frequent and he enjoyed calling the British Island of Tortola a second home. Favorite destinations were many, but he particularly appreciated Vienna, Taiwan, Venice, Kenya, and Paris.
Numerous charities were recipients of Jim's generous support. Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Mercy Hospital, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Choose Chicago, the Boards of the Jacksonville Area Association of Citizens with Intellectual Disability, the Jacksonville Theater Guild, Illinois College, the Edgar Fellows Program, and Chicago's culture and arts community were among the organizations benefiting from his guidance.
In addition to his wife, Jim leaves behind an aunt, many cherished cousins, brothers and sisters in-law, plus many nieces, nephews and their spouses. His numerous treasured colleagues will forever cherish the mark he has left on them and the communities they have served. Jim loved his extensive family, friends, and colleagues and always planned special events to make all gatherings memorable and remarkable.
Jim Reilly lived life large, was kind and led a life filled with incredible accomplishments. He dedicated his life to public service. Beloved by his wife and extended family, he gave his time, attention, and philanthropic support to multiple charitable and artistic endeavors.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with James' wishes. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Central Chapel. Services will be held at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier at a later date.
Memorials can be sent to:
Illinois College Fund, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Attn: Karen Klaffer, 1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650