James Rolph

James Rolph

James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr. was an American politician. He served as the 27th governor of California. He was a member of the Republican Party and was governor from January 6, 1931, until he died on June 2, 1934. His time as governor was during a very hard period called the Great Depression.

Before becoming governor, Rolph was the 30th mayor of San Francisco. He was mayor from January 8, 1912, until 1931 when he became governor. He is known for being the longest-serving mayor in San Francisco's history. Rolph was called "Sunny Jim" because he was always cheerful and positive.

Life and career

James Rolph, also called "Sunny Jim," was born in San Francisco. He was one of six children. After finishing school in the Mission District, he started working in an office. He later married Annie Marshall Reid, and they had a son named James Rolph III.

Rolph began working in shipping in 1900. He also became president of two banks. He became the mayor of San Francisco in 1911 and served for nineteen years. People liked him because of his cheerful personality. He even appeared in a few old movies. In addition to being mayor, he worked with many important groups in the city. In 1931, he left his job as mayor to become the governor of California.

Death

James Rolph died from heart problems on June 2, 1934. He was still serving as governor when he passed away. He was the second governor of California to die while in office. Rolph is buried at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Colma, California. After his death, Lieutenant Governor Frank Merriam became the new governor.

Main article: Washington Bartlett Main article: Greenlawn Memorial Park Main article: Colma, California Main article: Frank Merriam

Legacy

After James Rolph Jr. passed away, people in California named the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge after him to remember him.

In 1993, experts said he was one of the best mayors of big American cities from 1820 to 1993.
Main article: List of mayors of Chicago