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Jim Maloof dies at 93

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 Jim Maloof, who became known nationwide as "the singing mayor" but was truly Peoria's greatest ambassador, died Saturday. He was 93.

Maloof generated attention for Peoria when he was mayor from 1985 to 1997, taking the position when the city was in the throes of deep recession. Through programs such as "Forward Peoria!" he helped the city renew its stature as an All-American City.

His most important accomplishment, however, was the founding of the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, started through his friendship with Danny Thomas. Through Maloof's own tireless work, millions of dollars have been raised for St. Jude since 1978, mostly through annual telethons and runs from Memphis to Peoria.

He was the owner of Maloof Cleaners for many years before he founded the Jim Maloof REALTOR agency in Peoria.

Maloof was married nearly 60 years to Gertrude, who passed away in March, 2001. He also was preceded in death by a son, Mark. Survivors include sons Michael and Nicholas and a daughter, Janice.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

About the Author
Paul Gordon is the editor of The Peorian after spending 29 years of indentured servitude at the Peoria Journal Star. He’s an award-winning writer, raconteur and song-and-dance man. He also went to a high school whose team name is the Alices (that’s Vincennes Lincoln High School in Indiana; you can look it up).