Date of Birth: 
About Eco James Coli
- Eco James Coli (February 15, 1922-December 1982) 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 machines 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 grandson, John Coli.
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