James F. Rea (September 7, 1937 – November 25, 2024) was an American politician.
Life and career
Rea was born in Mulkeytown, Illinois. He served in the United States Military. Rea received his bachelor's and master's degree in agriculture community development from the Southern Illinois University. Rea lived with his wife and family in Christopher, Illinois. Rea served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989 and was a Democrat. After Glenn Poshard was elected to the United States House of Representatives, Rea was appointed to the Illinois Senate. Rea was succeeded in the House by Larry D. Woolard.[1] Rea then served in the Illinois Senate from 1989 to 1999.[2][3] Rea stepped down to take a position with the Illinois Secretary of State. Ned Mitchell, the Mayor of Sesser, was appointed by local Democratic Party chairs to succeed Rea.[4]
Rea died on November 25, 2024, at the age of 87.[5]
Notes
- ^ Gherardini, Caroline (ed.). "Woolard replaces Rea in Illinois House". Illinois Issues. 15 (2). Sangamon State University: 30. ISSN 0738-9663. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
- ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1997-1998,' Biographical Sketch of James F. Rea, pg. 129
- ^ Votesmart.org.-James Rea
- ^ "Mitchell named to succeed Rea". The Southern Illinoisan. September 5, 1999. p. 9. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
- ^ "James F. Rea". Legacy. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
- 1937 births
- 2024 deaths
- People from Christopher, Illinois
- Military personnel from Illinois
- Southern Illinois University alumni
- Democratic Party members of the Illinois House of Representatives
- Democratic Party Illinois state senators
- 20th-century members of the Illinois General Assembly
- Illinois state senator stubs
- Members of the Illinois House of Representatives stubs