James A. Burke (New York politician)

James A. Burke (March 3, 1890 – September 12, 1965) was a Democratic politician from Queens, New York City and served as its borough president for eight years.

James A. Burke
Borough President of Queens
In office
1942–1949
Preceded byGeorge U. Harvey
Succeeded byMaurice A. FitzGerald
Personal details
Born(1890-03-03)March 3, 1890
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedSeptember 12, 1965(1965-09-12) (aged 75)
Little Neck, New York, U.S.

Burke was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1890[1] but was orphaned when he was 8 years old.[2] After high school he took night classes at New York University while he worked. In 1914 he moved to Queens, where he became active in many civic organizations.[1] During the first World War he worked as a civilian at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, eventually becoming superintendent of stock in charge of $60 million worth of supplies.[1][2]

After the war, he had various jobs in purchasing and accounting. He had leadership positions in two Queens civic organizations. He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Queens Co., 4th D.) in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1935. While there, he championed Queens issues, including the construction of the Grand Central Parkway.[2]

In 1941, he won election as borough president of Queens, beating the Republican incumbent George U. Harvey. While in office, he focused on transportation and taxes in the borough.[3] He won two terms to the office, and resigned in 1949. He did not seek any further political offices.

He died in his Little Neck, Queens, home in 1965.

References

  1. "Burke Long a Civic Leader". The New York Times. November 5, 1941.
  2. "James Burke, 76, Ex-Queens Chief". The New York Times. September 14, 1965.
  3. "'Little Man' Key to Burke Election". The New York Times. November 6, 1941.
New York State Assembly
Preceded by
Joseph D. Nunan, Jr.
New York State Assembly
Queens County, 4th District

1931–1933
Succeeded by
Jay E. Rice
Preceded by
Jay E. Rice
New York State Assembly
Queens County, 4th District

1935
Succeeded by
Daniel E. Fitzpatrick
Political offices
Preceded by
George U. Harvey
Borough President of Queens
1942–1949
Succeeded by
Maurice A. FitzGerald
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