James A. Sharp Jr. Explained

James A. Sharp Jr.
Order:	87th
Office:	Mayor of the City of Flint
Term Start:	1983
Term End:	1987
Predecessor:	James W. Rutherford
Successor:	Matthew S. Collier^[1]
Birth Date:	28 May 1933
Party:	Democratic^[2]

James A. Sharp Jr. (May 28, 1933 – July 2, 2023) was an American politician who served as mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan, and the second "strong" mayor under Flint's 1974 Charter.

Career

Sharp defeated James W. Rutherford at his attempt at a third term for Flint Mayor,^[3] effectively becoming the city's first popularly elected African American mayor;^[4] the city's first African American mayor Floyd J. McCree, who served between 1966 and 1968, had been selected by the Flint City Commission. In 1984, Sharp was selected as alternate delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan.^[2] Sharp was defeated by Matthew S. Collier in 1987.^[3]

Death

Sharp died on July 2, 2023, at the age of 90.^{[5] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Political Graveyard: Mayors and Postmasters of Flint, Michigan.
2. Web site: The Political Graveyard: Index to Politicians: Sharp.
3. News: Marjory . Raymer . Two white candidates make history . . . . 2007-08-09 . 2009-01-06 .
4. A one-to-one man. Mayor of Flint, Mich. Facing crime and racial unrest, the city's tough but tender mayor uses a personal touch and an on-the-scenes presence to bring people together. Christian Science Monitor. 21 October 1986.
5. Web site: Mr. James A. Sharp Jr. . Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home . July 5, 2023.
6. Web site: Former City of Flint Mayor James Sharp Jr. passes away . . 5 July 2023 . July 5, 2023.