Eco James Coli
Encyclopedia
Eco James Coli was a Chicago tough guy who was an alleged labor racketeer. Starting in 1945, Coli's arrest record included attempted hijacking and assault and battery. He also was questioned in the murder of a Republican
ward committeeman. During the 1950s, Coli received one year on probation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In 1952, Coli was sentenced to eight to ten years imprisonment for stealing slot machine
s from a suburban country club
, but the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 1955.
Coli was also involved in the Teamsters Union. He served as a secretary-treasurer for Chicago Teamsters Union Local 727, made up of parking lot attendants, funeral drivers, directors, embalmers and others. Coli instituted pensions, health insurance and negotiated lucrative contracts for his members during his tenure. Coli would run this local for 20 years up until his death. During the 1969 Chicago Columbus Day
Parade, Coli made headlines by walking the parade route next to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley
and Illinois Governor Richard Ogilvie. Both Daley and Ogilvie claimed ignorance of Coli's criminal background. James Coli died in 1982 from natural causes. Teamsters Local 727 is now run by James Coli's son John Coli
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
ward committeeman. During the 1950s, Coli received one year on probation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In 1952, Coli was sentenced to eight to ten years imprisonment for stealing slot machine
Slot machine
A slot machine , informally fruit machine , the slots , poker machine or "pokies" or simply slot is a casino gambling machine with three or more reels which spin when a button is pushed...
s from a suburban country club
Country club
A country club is a private club, often with a closed membership, that typically offers a variety of recreational sports facilities and is located in city outskirts or rural areas. Activities may include, for example, any of golf, tennis, swimming or polo...
, but the Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 1955.
Coli was also involved in the Teamsters Union. He served as a secretary-treasurer for Chicago Teamsters Union Local 727, made up of parking lot attendants, funeral drivers, directors, embalmers and others. Coli instituted pensions, health insurance and negotiated lucrative contracts for his members during his tenure. Coli would run this local for 20 years up until his death. During the 1969 Chicago Columbus Day
Columbus Day
Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday...
Parade, Coli made headlines by walking the parade route next to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley
Richard J. Daley
Richard Joseph Daley served for 21 years as the mayor and undisputed Democratic boss of Chicago and is considered by historians to be the "last of the big city bosses." He played a major role in the history of the Democratic Party, especially with his support of John F...
and Illinois Governor Richard Ogilvie. Both Daley and Ogilvie claimed ignorance of Coli's criminal background. James Coli died in 1982 from natural causes. Teamsters Local 727 is now run by James Coli's son John Coli