Death Prevention Task Force

Meet Coroner Jamie Harwood, MSN, RN

Jamie Harwood proudly serves as the Peoria County Coroner, combining over two decades of nursing experience, forensic expertise, and community-centered leadership in one of the most trusted and compassionate roles in county government.

A lifelong resident of central Illinois, Jamie began his career in healthcare after graduating from the Methodist School of Nursing in 1997. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University in 2015, graduating with honors. Most recently, Jamie earned his Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Administrative Leadership from Penn State in 2024, again graduating with honors.

With more than 24 years of experience in trauma, emergency, and intensive care, Jamie brings clinical precision, investigative skill, and a deeply compassionate approach to his role. His guiding philosophy is rooted in integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to public service—ensuring every death is handled with the dignity and attention it deserves.

Since first being elected in 2016, Jamie has modernized the Coroner’s Office through technological updates, staff development, and strong interagency collaboration. His office investigates an average of 3,700 deaths per year and works closely with families, healthcare providers, law enforcement, funeral homes, and state agencies to carry out its statutory and ethical responsibilities.

Jamie is also deeply involved in public health and child advocacy efforts. He currently serves on the boards of:

• The Pediatric Resource Center, which provides comprehensive services to children who are victims of abuse or neglect
• The Child Death Review Board, which analyzes contributing factors in preventable pediatric deaths across the region

In addition, he remains active in professional networks and public health initiatives, including:

• Past President of the Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association
• Coroner Advisory Board Member for Gift of Hope, where he also serves as a living kidney donor
• Advisory member of the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System
• Advisory member for Illinois Central College’s EMS Advisory Council

In 2020, Jamie launched the Peoria County Infant Death Prevention Task Force, a community collaborative effort that has distributed hundreds of safe sleep spaces and resources to families in need. He is also a recognized speaker and educator on topics including community forensic death investigations, violence, elder abuse, safe infant sleep, grief, and the social factors contributing to preventable deaths.

In recognition of his contributions to healthcare and public service, Jamie was honored as a Champion for Children by the Pediatric Resource Center in 2022. He was named Distinguished Alumnus of Methodist College in 2018 and joined its Board of Directors in 2020. He has served as Honorary Chair for Whitney’s Walk for Life, a suicide prevention initiative, and has held leadership roles in the Downtown Peoria Rotary Club.

Outside of the office, Jamie enjoys traveling, music, reading, karaoke, Penn State football, and spending time with his husband, Jonathan, and their three children....