In Memoriam: Sharpe James, longest-serving mayor of Newark, N.J., dies at 89

Sharpe James, the longest-serving mayor of Newark, N.J., has died.

He was 89 years old.

According to reports, he passed away at home. No cause of death was revealed.

Iconic figure passes away

James served as the city’s 37th mayor a record of five terms, in total 20 years, after succeeding former Newark mayor Kenneth Gibson.

Statements

Current mayor Ras Baraka released a statement that said:

“In his 20 years in office as Mayor, Sharpe James was many things: a warrior for our city, a unifier for its people, a powerful force to launch development like New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Prudential Center, and a strong advocate for Newark and its people.

“He was also an outstanding educator and an inspiration to generations of Newark residents. Our relationship included competition, conflict, and collaboration, and through it all, helped define me, my values, and my aspirations for this city. The Newark we live in is, in many ways, a city he created.

“I join with the entire City in sending prayers and condolences to the family of Sharpe James upon his passing, along with our deepest thanks for his lifetime of service to our people.”

Sen. Cory Booker ran against James in 2002 to be the next mayor of Newark and lost, but won in 2006 after James did not seek reelection.

Sen. Booker released a statement saying,

“Sharpe James was a beloved pillar of our shared community, serving the City of Newark for two decades as mayor and giving nearly four decades of his life to public service. I am deeply saddened by his passing, and I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him throughout Newark.”

Life for Sharpe James

James was born in Jacksonville, Fla in 1936. His father died before he was born, and his mother re-married and relocated to Newark in 1940, where James grew up.

He obtained a B.A. in education from Montclair State University and a M.A. in physical education from Springfield College.

James later completed postgraduate studies at Washington State University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University.

He also served with the U.S. Army in Germany.

Political career

James won public office elections in 1970, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 1999, and 2002.

He was first elected to the Newark City Council in 1970, then to the mayor’s seat in 1986, and was re-elected for four more terms, serving until 2006.

He also won the New Jersey Senate seat in 1999 and two additional terms in that office.

In 2007, James was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 27 months in prison. He was accused of fraud in the sale of city-owned land and using city credit cards to spend on vacations.

Prior to politics, James worked as a teacher, athletic director, and professor at Essex County College.

He is survived by his wife Mary and three sons.