James H. Rupp
James H. Rupp | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office January 1977 – January 1987 | |
| Preceded by | Robert McCarthy |
| Succeeded by | Penny Severns |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 17, 1918 Kearny, New Jersey, USA |
| Died | September 30, 1998 Decatur, Illinois, USA |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | Monmouth College |
James Henry Rupp Jr. (May 17, 1918 – September 30, 1998) was an American politician, businessman, and Republican member of the Illinois Senate from 1977 to 1987.
Biographical sketch
[edit]James Henry Rupp Jr. was born in Kearny, New Jersey and graduated from Kearny High School in 1936. He did post-graduate work at Staunton Military Academy in 1937. Rupp received a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Monmouth College, Illinois, where he played football on the Fighting Scotts.[1] He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was commissioned a lieutenant commander. Rupp lived in Decatur, Illinois with his wife, Florence, and family and was the owner of an insurance agency.
In 1967, Rupp defeated incumbent Mayor Ellis Arnold in the primary election, and then defeated building contractor Roger Pogue in the general election.[2] Rupp served as mayor of Decatur, Illinois from 1966 to 1976.[3] After his election to the Illinois Senate, he was succeed as mayor by Alderman Elmer Walton.[4]
Rupp was elected to the Illinois Senate in the 1976 general election, defeating Democratic incumbent Robert McCarthy, also of Decatur.[5][6] He served in the Senate 1977 to 1987. In 1986, Rupp was challenged for reelection to the Illinois Senate by Penny Severns. Though Rupp was the earlier favorite, a combination of a media savvy candidate, a well-planned campaign strategy, keeping the focus on chosen issues and targeting of rural areas that Rupp allegedly neglected were credited with the success of her campaign. It was one of the few upset races for the Illinois General Assembly that election cycle.[7]
Rupp died in Decatur, Illinois on September 30, 1998.[8][9] He is buried in North Fork Cemetery, Long Creek, Illinois.[3]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Randall, H. Pettus (ed.). Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges 1940-1941. Vol. 7. Retrieved February 6, 2025 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "Decatur Names Rupp Mayor Over Progue". The Southern Illinoisan. April 19, 1967. p. 22 – via NewspaperArchive.
- ^ a b "James Rupp Obituary". Herald & Review. No. Page B2. October 4, 1998.
- ^ United Press International (April 20, 1977). "Bilandic wins primary; Sabonjian loses in Waukegan". Morris Daily Herald. Vol. 97, no. 18. p. 5 – via NewspaperArchive.
- ^ "November lineup for Senate". Illinois Issues. 2 (8). Sangamon State University: 23.
- ^ Gherardini, Caroline (ed.). "Elections: Democrats win clear majority in General Assembly". Illinois Issues. 3 (1). Sangamon State University: 26. ISSN 0738-9663. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
- ^ Man, Anthony (March 26, 1987). "Severns v. Rupp: How did she beat the incumbent?". Illinois Issues. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
- ^ 'Illinois Blue Book 1985–1986,' Biographical Sketch of James H. Rupp, p. 114
- ^ Staunton Military Academy, James H. Rupp, Jr., SMA PG-'37 (1918-1998)
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- 1918 births
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- Military personnel from New Jersey
- Monmouth College alumni
- Kearny High School (New Jersey) alumni
- People from Kearny, New Jersey
- Staunton Military Academy alumni
- Businesspeople from Illinois
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