James E. Calvin
James E. Calvin | |
|---|---|
| 67th Mayor of Saint John, New Brunswick | |
| In office October 7, 1969 – 1971 | |
| Preceded by | H. Avard Loomer |
| Succeeded by | Bob Lockhart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Eldon Calvin June 13, 1921 |
| Died | July 13, 1982 (aged 61) Saint John, New Brunswick |
| Alma mater | New England Institute of Anatomy and Embalming |
James Eldon Calvin (June 13, 1921 – July 13, 1982) was a Canadian-American embalmer, funeral director, and politician who served as the mayor of Saint John, New Brunswick from 1969 to 1971. Prior to his tenure, he operated a funeral home in Massachusetts and later in New Brunswick.
Life and career
James Eldon Calvin was born on June 13, 1921, in Fairville, New Brunswick, to parents Joseph Martin Calvin and Laura Belle Clayton.[1] As a child, Calvin moved to Massachusetts where he was educated in the Malden area. He pursued higher education at the New England Institute of Anatomy and Embalming in Boston. After graduating in 1942, Calvin worked professionally as a registered embalmer and a licensed funeral director, operating a funeral home in Reading, Massachusetts for 17 years.[2] During his time in Reading, Calvin also served on the board of public works.[3]
In 1960, Calvin moved back to Saint John where he and his cousin,[4] John E. Calvin, acquired the Ross Funeral Home in Lancaster.[5] He was elected president of the Saint John Rotary Club in 1967.[6][7]
Mayor of Saint John
In 1969, a by-election for Saint John's mayoral position was called following H. Avard Loomer's death in office.[8] Calvin, who had considered running in the last election but decided against it,[9] chose to run for mayor on September 10, 1969.[10] During his campaign, Calvin described the city as being in its most "crucial time", identifying housing as a major issue caused by the "fast pace of urban redevelopment and construction of the Saint John Harbour Bridge-Throughway Complex".[11]
The by-election was held on October 6; Calvin won the race with 8,958 votes against six other candidates including Member of Legislative Assembly Donald D. Patterson.[12] He was sworn in the following day on October 7.[13]
Personal life and death
Calvin was married to Elizabeth Farmer, with whom he had two children. He died on July 13, 1982,[4] at the age of 61.[a]
Notes
References
- ^ a b "Vital Statistics from Government Records (RS141)". Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Calvin Funeral Home Takes Over Operation In Lancaster". The Evening Times-Globe. March 11, 1961. p. 10. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ Childs, Gerald (October 3, 1969). "Calvin: He Wants To See A Better City". The Evening Times-Globe. p. 13. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Former Mayor Succumbs". Telegraph-Journal. July 14, 1982. p. 26. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Calvin Funeral Service Expands To Second Site". Telegraph-Journal. October 16, 1965. p. 9. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Rotary Elects James E. Calvin". The Evening Times-Globe. March 14, 1967. p. 21. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Rotary Elects James E. Calvin". March 14, 1967. p. 30. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Nomination Day For Mayoralty Sept. 13". The Evening Times-Globe. September 5, 1969. p. 13. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Mayor 'Reconsidering' - Wants Councillor Whalen To Run". The Evening Times-Globe. May 14, 1969. p. 1. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Fourth Candidate For Mayoralty". Telegraph-Journal. September 11, 1969. p. 22. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Mayoralty Candidates Give Their Views". The Evening Times-Globe. September 30, 1969. p. 2. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Calvin Sweeps Mayoralty". Telegraph-Journal. October 7, 1969. p. 22. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Mayor Calvin Sworn In". Telegraph-Journal. October 8, 1969. p. 20. Retrieved March 5, 2026.