Community Pays Final Respects at Maloof Memorial Service

PEORIA - The Peoria community paid its respect to late mayor Jim Maloof on Friday.

Visitors from all over central Illinois are making their way to Riverside Community Church in downtown Peoria.

People are truly saying goodbye to a legend in Peoria. Many people say it is a sad day, but ever since Maloof's passing, his presence in the River City seems to be burning even brighter.

A visitation started at 3 p.m. Friday.  Lines started forming thirty minutes early.

Many people were seen embracing the Maloof family, and all guests were asked to write their favorite memories of Mayor Maloof on a card.

Many visitors say they're torn, because it's heartbreaking to know he is gone but they can only celebrate his life and legacy.

"I don't like to see him in that position but it's happened. It's something we all have to face," said Dumit Ghantous.

"His heart was such a loving heart for everybody," said Kathleen Hillard. "Jim Maloof had a heart of gold and you couldn't have found a nicer man."

"God bless Jimmy. We'll remember him forever," said Joe Dolan.