W. Timothy Simms

W. Timothy Simms (born April 9, 1943) is a former Republican member of the Illinois General Assembly, representing the 34th District from 1971 to 1983.[1]

W. Timothy Simms
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 34th district
In office
December 1980 (1980-12) – January 1983 (1983-01)
Preceded byLynn Morley Martin
Succeeded byJoyce Holmberg
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 34th district
In office
January 1971 (1971-01) – December 1980 (1980-12)
Preceded byDavid Johnson
Succeeded byJames Kelley
Personal details
Born (1943-04-09) April 9, 1943
Morrison, Illinois
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJane
ChildrenFive
ResidenceRockford, Illinois
Alma materParsons College
Worsham College
ProfessionFuneral Director

Career

Simms was born April 9, 1943, in Morrison, Illinois. He was educated at Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science. At age 23, he was elected to the City Council in Rockford, Illinois. From 1966 to 1976, Simms' served as both a precinct committeeman and alderman for the second ward of Rockford, Illinois.[1]

In 1970, Simms was elected to represent the 34th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. During his first term in office, Simms sponsored the United States' first prescription drug labeling law,[2] and was assigned to the General Assembly's Legislative Investigative Commission, where he served until 1983.[1]

Owing to his early success in both politics and business, Simms was selected as 1 of 20 Outstanding Young Men of America in 1970 by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce.[1]

After being elected to serve a sixth term in the House of Representatives, one of which saw him serve as House Minority Whip,[3] Simms was appointed by the 34th District Republican Legislative Committee to fill the vacancy left when Lynn Morley Martin was elected to the United States House of Representatives from Illinois's 16th congressional district. The committee then chose James Kelley to the Illinois House of Representatives to replace Simms.[4] In the 1982 general election, Simms lost to Joyce Holmberg.[5]

Following his career in the Illinois General Assembly, Simms became a two-time delegate for Ronald Reagan,[6] and served as president of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association.[7]

References
  1. "Biographical Sketch of W. Timothy Simms". Illinois Blue Book 1981-1982. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State. p. 136.
  2. 'Drug Label O.K.'d,' Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune Press Service, April 14, 1971
  3. "Officers of the House". Illinois Blue Book 1975-1976. Springfield, Illinois: Illinois Secretary of State. p. 67.
  4. Gherardini, Caroline (ed.). "Appointments to the General Assembly". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. 7 (2): 31. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
  5. "Legislative Action: Dems win big: Madigan wins bigger". Illinois Issues. Illinois Periodicals Online. December 1982. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  6. 'Reagan Delegates,' Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune Press Service, March 17, 1980
  7. "New Funeral Option For Those in a Rush". Chicago Journal. 1993-02-23.
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