08/12/2026
FLASHBACK: Alderman James H. Stokes Jr. | Kankakee 2nd Ward | 2011–2015
During his tenure as 2nd Ward Alderman for the City of Kankakee from 2011 to 2015, James H. Stokes Jr. took an active, hands-on approach to pursuing new opportunities and investment for the Kankakee community.
One example of those efforts was his involvement in bringing Save-A-Lot to Kankakee.
Stokes personally traveled to Tinley Park, where he met and spoke with store associates and business representatives about bringing a Save-A-Lot location to Kankakee. Those efforts contributed to the establishment of the Save-A-Lot on South Schuyler Avenue, which opened in October 2014 during his term as alderman.
The opening represented an important milestone for the community. It brought another grocery option to Kankakee residents, created local employment opportunities, generated additional business activity along the Schuyler Avenue corridor, and demonstrated the impact local leadership can have when officials actively pursue investment for the neighborhoods they represent.
Save-A-Lot remained in the City of Kankakee for years afterward, continuing to provide residents with access to groceries while providing employment opportunities within the community.
While the store’s opening received coverage from the Daily Journal, Alderman Stokes’ individual efforts in pursuing the opportunity and advocating for a Kankakee location went largely unrecognized in the reporting at the time. His contribution remains an important part of the story and deserves its place in Kankakee’s local history.
James H. Stokes Jr.
Kankakee 2nd Ward Alderman | 2011–2015
A look back at local leadership that went beyond the council chambers and resulted in new business, employment opportunities, and additional resources for the community.
