City of Flint mourns former Flint Mayor James A. Sharp Jr.

The City of Flint will lower flags to half-staff as we mourn the loss of former Flint Mayor James A. Sharp Jr. who passed away this past Sunday in Arizona at the age of 90. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. A service will take place in Flint, and his final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery.

Former Mayor Sharp was Flint’s first popularly elected African American mayor under the “strong mayor” form of government established by the 1974 Flint City Charter. He served as mayor from 1983-1987.

Sharp was a former marine and also served as Chief of Staff for former US Representative and Senator Don Riegle.

“It’s important to uplift the heroes of our community, especially those trailblazers who paved the way for future leaders,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Former Mayor Sharp was a true community champion in many ways, both as a mayor of the City of Flint and also as one of the lead role models in the African American community during his tenure. His impact as mayor is still felt today. As a young man, I remember then-Mayor Sharp supporting a group of college students I was a part of, organizing anti-drug rallies in the community. I ask our community to join me in lifting his family in prayer.”