Sharpe James, the former mayor of Newark who served for two decades, died on May 12, 2025, at the age of 89. James, who led the city from 1986 to 2006, was both a champion of Newark’s revitalization and a figure mired in controversy. His death marks the passing of a larger-than-life political figure whose legacy remains a subject of both admiration and criticism.
A Path to Politics and Leadership
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 20, 1936, Sharpe James moved to Newark as a child and later became a prominent figure in the city’s political landscape. A former high school athlete and educator, James entered politics at the age of 34, winning a seat on the Newark City Council in 1970. His independence and strong will earned him a reputation as a lawmaker who stood up to the establishment. After an upset victory in 1986 over incumbent mayor Kenneth A. Gibson, James became Newark’s 37th mayor — the second African American to hold the office.
A Vision for Revitalization
During his tenure, James focused on restoring Newark, which had faced decades of decline since the 1967 riots. Under his leadership, the city saw significant development and urban renewal. James spearheaded the creation of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), a major cultural landmark that opened in 1997. He also promoted downtown redevelopment, attracting new businesses and residents to the city. James’s leadership was credited with reversing Newark’s negative reputation, with the city earning civic honors like the Most Livable City Award and the All-America City Award during his administration.
His focus on community development extended beyond just infrastructure; he advocated for crime reduction, with Newark’s crime rate dropping significantly during his tenure. James often spoke about Newark’s potential, calling it a “city that everybody wants,” as he worked to build a better future for its residents.
Mayor Baraka shared a statement today, saying “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.”
A Complex Legacy
Sharpe James’s legacy in Newark is one of both revitalization and controversy. Supporters praise his efforts to transform Newark, pointing to developments like NJPAC, new housing projects, and a reduced crime rate. Critics, however, emphasize the corruption charges that ultimately tarnished his career.
Despite these controversies, James remained a strong advocate for Newark until his death, often emphasizing his lifelong love for the city. “I live here, I pay taxes here, I love Newark,” he said in 2013, underscoring his devotion to the city he had worked to transform.
Remembering His Impact
James is remembered as Newark’s greatest cheerleader, a mayor who poured his energy into making the city better. His leadership during a crucial time in Newark’s history, though contentious, left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. Under his watch, Newark began to recover from decades of decline, and many of his policies and investments set the stage for future growth.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary (Mattison) James, and their three sons, John, Elliott, and Kevin. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. In Newark, James’s impact will continue to be felt in the city’s ongoing transformation — a testament to his complex, yet undeniable, influence on the city he loved.
