By Kristopher Seals
NEWARK – The man who served the longest tenure as chief executive of New Jersey’s largest city has met his sunset.
Longtime Newark Mayor Sharpe James has died at the age of 89. He was the city’s second Black mayor after Kenneth A. Gibson. James served in that capacity from 1986-2006, a span unseen by any Brick City mayor before or after him.
He championed the charge to make Newark the “Renaissance City,” and led efforts which saw NJPAC and the Prudential Center come to fruition. From 1999-2007, James served as a State Senator concurrently with his service as mayor.
While James had his accomplishments, he certainly had his setbacks. In 2008, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison on various mail fraud and conspiracy charges. The case was spearheaded by then U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who later became Governor of the Garden State.
“Local Talk” will have more on James in its May 15, 2025 print edition. For now, here are some reactions from notable officials.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka Statement on Passing of Former Mayor Sharpe James
“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.”
U.S. Senator Cory Booker Statement on Passing of Sharpe James
“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.”
Statement by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.:
“The City of Newark lost one of its loudest cheerleaders with the passing of former Mayor and State Senator Sharpe James. Sharpe’s dominant personality made his name synonymous with Newark as he led the City through a renaissance during his two decades as Mayor, leading the charge to build the Prudential Center and NJPAC. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing tennis and when we played the matches were always tight. He governed much like he played – always charging forward and never letting anything slip past him.”
Statement from Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz on the Passing of Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James
“Today, Newark mourns for one of our most iconic and influential leaders, the longest-serving Mayor of our city, Sharpe James. Mayor James embodied Newark’s grit and determination and fiercely advocated for the people he served, both as Newark’s leader and as State Senator. He championed Newark’s unique and vibrant culture and was a key force in the city’s revitalization, bringing affordable housing opportunities and new development to our neighborhoods.
“He was the driving force behind the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the expansion of the Newark Museum, and shepherded the creation of the Prudential Center. Mayor James is as much of a monument to this city as the institutions he brought us, and his legacy and impact will be felt for generations. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him.”
Tucker Statement on the Passing of Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James
Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex, Union) issued the following statement in response to the death of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James.
“Today, the city of Newark suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Mayor Sharpe James. Mayor James was the longest-serving mayor of our city, and he ushered in many positive changes – including helping to revitalize our city with new housing and development, and incentives in arts and culture that make us proud to call Newark home.
“Mayor James will be solely missed, but his impact and legacy will live on. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends, and I mourn him with a heavy heart.”
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin Statement on the Passing of Former Mayor Sharpe James
“I join the City of Newark in honoring the life and legacy of former Mayor Sharpe James. He was a towering figure in our history—our longest-serving mayor—who played a key role through Newark’s transformative years, expanding homeownership opportunities and investing in recreation centers that served generations of our youth. My heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew and served alongside him.”
