Sharpe James

About

While serving in the New Jersey State Senate, this Democratic Party politician began his first term as Mayor of Newark. He held the office from 1986 until 2006.

Before Fame

After earning a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University, he attended the physical education master's program at Springfield College. He later served in the United States Army and taught and coached at Essex County College.

Trivia

From 2008 until 2010, he served an eighteen-month prison sentence for fraud.

Family Life

He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and he later settled in New Jersey.

Associated With

Cory Booker, James' successor as Mayor of Newark, went on to become a United States Senator from New Jersey.