Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James has died at the age of 89.

He served as mayor from 1986 to 2006.

For more on Mayor James, please go HERE.

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

Statement from Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz on the Passing of Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James

TRENTON – “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.”

Councilman Council STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER MAYOR/STATE SENATOR SHARPE JAMES

Newark, NJ – May 12, 2025 – The South Ward mourns the loss of the City of Newark champion, Mayor Sharpe James. Mayor James was a fighter and champion for all of Newark. His energetic and optimistic focus on the development and growth of this city led the charge of revitalization and hope for a city that was coming through challenges. Mayor James relentless effort to lift up this city should never be forgotten.

As the former South Ward Councilman, Councilman at Large, Mayor, and State Senator, his zeal and vision for seeing a robust and fruitful city played a major role in his fight up and down the state of New Jersey to ensure that Newark was never left out of the discussion. It was with that fire and tenacity that made this city a major player in the development of leadership, business, and commerce.  Mayor James leadership will continue to be seen and felt in every residence, family, recreational facility, and through the halls of the senate, council chambers, and the work that comes out of the city administration. The South Ward stands with the "James family " during this time of transition and loss. The South Ward and the City of Newark is a better place because of Mayor Sharpe James.

Booker Statement on Passing of Sharpe James

Newark, N.J. –– Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

“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.”