Bill James, former Gloucester City mayor, dies

Former Gloucester City mayor Bill James, who left office on January 1 after twelve years in office, died unexpectedly today.

“He dedicated his adult life to serving the citizens of Gloucester City during his career as a police officer then as mayor, an office that held until the end of 2018,” Freeholder William Moen said in a post on social media.

James was elected in 2006, defeating Patrick Keating by 423 votes, 56%-44%.  He was re-elected with 72% of the vote in 2010 and ran unopposed for a third term in 2014.

He served as deputy chief of police before entering local politics.