WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after the passing of Jim Gilliam, Sr.
“Like so many others throughout Delaware, I knew Jim Gilliam, Sr. simply as ‘Mr. G.’ Mr. G was a Delaware civil rights icon, a philanthropist, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and in every sense of the phrase, he was a pillar of our state. I counted myself lucky to consider Mr. G. a dear friend and a trusted advisor.
“What I’ll always remember about Mr. G was his unyielding passion for making our community a better place. He served as the first director of New Castle County's Community Development and Housing Division, and while I served as County Executive, he helped lead the formation of a county diversity commission. Just as impactful as his own work, though, was his relentless advocacy on behalf of our state and families in need with business leaders, community leaders, and public officials alike. Throughout my career in public service, I never once left a meeting with Mr. G without a list of things I needed to do better, a sense of urgency about what needed to be done, and the certainty that Mr. G would support me along the way.
“I will greatly miss the many conversations we shared together, his wise counsel and encouragement, and his willingness to challenge me – and everyone else – to do better.”