Politics & Government
Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan Dies At Age 76
Ryan twice ran unsuccessfully for governor, was attorney general from 1995 to 2003. He died after several long illnesses, his family said.
ILLINOIS — Jim Ryan, who served as Illinois Attorney General for nearly a decade, died Sunday following a long illness, his family has confirmed.
Ryan, who held office as attorney general between 1995 and 2003, was 76 and died peacefully on Sunday from “several lengthy illnesses”, a family spokesperson said. Ryan, the former DuPage County State’s Attorney, was also the Republican nominee for governor in 2002.
Ryan is survived by four children as well as his wife along with 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two children, according to reports.
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"He was a wonderful father and grandfather, who, through example, taught us how to handle life's greatest joys, and most difficult losses, with dignity and grace,” his children said in a statement released by his family on Sunday. “For all that he accomplished during his career, he will be most remembered for the way he lived his life. Family, faith, and service to others defines the remarkable life of our father."
In addition to losing two children, including his 12-year-old daughter, Anne Marie to a brain tumor in 1997, Ryan’s son, Patrick also died at the age of 24 in 2007. Ryan’s wife of 54 years dealt with serious heart issues and Ryan dealt with fights against cancer three times.
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Before becoming Attorney General, Ryan served 10 years as DuPage County State's Attorney. For eight years prior to that, Ryan was in private practice in DuPage County, after initially serving in the State's Attorney's office as an Assistant State's Attorney and First Assistant State's Attorney.
After losing his bid to become governor to Rod Blagojevich, Ryan started the Center For Civic Leadership at Benedictine University in Lisle.
"Jim Ryan will forever be known for his strength and dedication to service on behalf of the people of Illinois, even as he faced unimaginable personal tragedy. May his courage and selflessness in the face of adversity serve as inspiration to all," Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a news release.
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