(WSIL) -- State officials are paying their respects to the family of .
The man known as "Big Jim" was the state's longest serving governor, leading the state for 14 years.
Lawmakers have been expressing sympathies and examples of Thompson's strong commitment to improving Illinois.
Many say he was kind, hardworking and, most importantly, dedicated to serving the people of Illinois.
SIU's public policy expert, John Jackson, says some of Thompson's best efforts in rebuilding Illinois includes new infrastructure projects, recognizing public employee unions and raising their pension.
He also enjoyed visiting Southern Illinois and played a big part in the DuQuoin State Fair.
"He'd come and stay at the Hayes Mansion next door to the Hayes House now, and he'd stay the whole week and obviously loved meeting the people and was a politician who loved to go out and press the flesh as they say," Jackson said.
The Chicago Tribune reports Thompson's legacy includes restoring Navy Pier and keeping the White Sox in Chicago with a new stadium.
