Jamel Aloysius Maloof
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Laureates
Founder
Jim Maloof/Realtor
Jameel Aloysius (Jim) Maloof graduated from Spaulding Institute (a Catholic High School in Peoria, IL) in 1937 and was already working in the family dry cleaning business. Drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1943, Jim spent three years serving his country. Upon his return he took over and expanded the family dry cleaning business where he served as president of Maloof Cleaners from 1946 to 1968.
In 1969, he started Jim Maloof/Realtor which quickly became one of the foremost residential real estate firms in the Peoria area. In 1972 he became the national Executive Vice President of St. Jude. Elected Mayor of Peoria in 1985, he went on to serve the city through three terms and 12 years total. At the time of his retirement from office in 1997, Peoria was an All-American City.
Jim Maloof served as a role model for young people through his commitment to the development of the Peoria area and strengthening of its economy. His drive to succeed while still being active in his community and family made him the pattern card of a successful person. Ethical business practices and drive to succeed are among the qualities that contributed to the success of his career.