Sharpe James, a dynamic and often controversial figure in New Jersey politics, passed away on May 11, 2025 at the age of 89 after a series of illnesses. He was best known for his two-decade tenure as the mayor of Newark, where he played a key role in the city’s transformation through ambitious urban development, cultural initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
Sharpe James was born on February 20, 1936, in Jacksonville, Florida. He moved with his family to Newark in 1940, where he would grow up and dedicate most of his life. A graduate of South Side High School—now Malcolm X Shabazz High School—James earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Montclair State University, followed by a master’s degree in physical education from Springfield College. He also pursued postgraduate studies at Washington State University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University. His early professional life included service in the U.S. Army in Germany and work as a teacher, athletic director, and professor at Essex County College.
James’s political career began in 1970 when he was elected South Ward Councilman. He was re-elected twice before becoming the first ward councilman elected to an at-large council seat in 1982. He built a reputation as a passionate advocate for his constituents, famously opposing Concorde jet landings at Newark Airport due to concerns about noise and pollution. In 1986, he successfully challenged incumbent Kenneth A. Gibson to become Newark’s 37th mayor. James would go on to serve five terms, holding office until 2006—the longest mayoral tenure in the city’s history.
During his time as mayor, James oversaw extensive revitalization efforts across Newark. He led the demolition of blighted housing projects and replaced them with affordable housing and townhouses in all five wards. Projects like Society Hill at University Heights received national recognition, including the Harvard University Dively Award for urban housing. He was instrumental in major developments such as new train stations, hotels, supermarkets, and recreational centers. James also championed the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which opened in 1997, and played a central role in bringing the New Jersey Devils to Newark, leading to the creation of the Prudential Center arena.
In 1999, while still serving as mayor, James was appointed to the New Jersey State Senate to fill the unexpired term of Senator Wynona Lipman. He was elected later that year and re-elected in 2001, eventually serving as Assistant Democratic Leader and vice chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
However, his legacy was complicated by legal troubles. In 2008, James was convicted of fraud and conspiracy related to the sale of city-owned land. He served 18 months in federal prison and continued to assert his innocence. After his release, he published a memoir titled Political Prisoner and remained active in local politics, mentoring his son and challenging restrictions on his ability to run for office.
Throughout his life, Sharpe James remained deeply committed to Newark. As he once said, “I live here, I pay taxes here, I love Newark, I wear Newark on my sleeves.” He died on May 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of both controversy and profound civic transformation.
