George Washington Jr., a long-time member of the Kankakee County Board, has died. He was 81. Washington was a Democratic member of the Board since 1984. At one time he served as Vice-Chairman. He was the voice for the city of Kankakee’s east side.

County Board Chairman Andy Wheeler said George will certainly be missed. “He was a voice of reason; always ready and willing to reach across the aisle to do what’s right and get it done.” Wheeler said “his leadership and presence was always noticed.”

Former City Alderman, Steve Hunter, called Washington “a true statesman, an honorable man.” Hunter said “George always knew the issues.”

A native of Louisiana, Washington Jr. moved to the Chicago area then to Kankakee where he became involved in all kinds of civic efforts. Washington was one of the original staff members of the Pembroke Township Community Action Program, which was the forerunner to the Kankakee Community Action Program. He also served on the Pembroke Consolidated School District board of education. He also worked as Chief of Corrections with Kankakee County.

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