Ron James

Ronald Raymond James (June 11, 1928 – January 5, 2025) was an American politician and businessman. James, who was elected Mayor of San Jose, California in 1967, served as the city's first popularly elected mayor from 1967 until 1971. He retired from office in 1971 after one term and was succeeded by then-San Jose Vice Mayor Norm Mineta. Other artifacts included with James's letter included a copy of the San Jose city charter, a city council agenda from 1969, newspaper clippings, and a taped radio interview with city librarian Geraldine Nurney, which was recorded at the library's dedication in April 1970.