Today, we mourn the passing of Sharpe James, who served as the mayor of Newark for a record five terms from 1986 to 2006. James, born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1936, moved to Newark with his family at a young age. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and three sons. James was a dedicated public servant who also served as a state senator for the 29th Legislative District from 1999 to 2008.
Before entering politics, James pursued a career in education, working as a teacher, athletic director, and professor. He held a B.A. in education from Montclair State University, an M.A. in physical education from Springfield College, and completed postgraduate studies at various institutions. James also served in the U.S. Army in Germany.
James first entered public office as a South Ward Councilman in 1970 and went on to serve multiple terms on the council before running for mayor in 1986. He won the election and went on to become Newark’s longest-serving mayor, winning an unprecedented fifth term in 2002.
Throughout his time in office, James worked to revitalize Newark’s economy and played a key role in the development of cultural institutions such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Prudential Arena. His efforts contributed to Newark’s ongoing economic renaissance.
Despite his accomplishments, James faced legal troubles in 2008 when he was convicted of corruption for misusing city funds and rigging land deals. He was sentenced to 27 months in prison and fined $100,000. However, James remained resilient and published a book titled Political Prisoner in 2013, reflecting on his experiences.
Sharpe James’s legacy in Newark will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his contributions to the city’s growth and development. He was a prominent figure in New Jersey politics for nearly four decades, leaving a lasting impact on the community he served.
