Former Maplewood mayor, James P. White, died on February 24, according to posts on social media and direct contact with a neighbor of the White family.
White served two term as mayor of Maplewood, 2009-2017. Prior to that he served as Maplewood Police Chief.
See his obituary here.
Visitation will be held at J.B. Smith Funeral Home in Maplewood on Thursday, March 3 from 2-8 p.m. A Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on March 4 at 10 a.m.
Barry Greenberg, who followed White as mayor, mourned his passing on Facebook.
Jim and I disagreed on many issues that came before Council and we argued and discussed the issues, publicly and in a civil manner. I respected Jim and his opinions because I was convinced that everything Jim did was what he thought was best for our City. Jim had grown up in Maplewood. Jim attended MRH. Jim knew so much more about where Maplewood had been than I did, even though I had served on the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber of Commerce in the early 90’s, the Design and Review Board, the Historic Preservation and spent 6 years on the Council.Jim knew and loved Maplewood. He helped move Maplewood forward from the decline of the community that Jim experienced and worked to improve. His willingness to engage, listen and debate opposing viewpoints benefited our community at a critical point in our history.James White was an honest, decent, and compassionate person and Maplewood is much better for his service to the community.May his memory be a blessing.
Jim White did a lot for Maplewood, both as police chief and then mayor. He helped make Maplewood a place to be proud to call home.
Jim White was someone you could go to with issues concerning Maplewood. He cared deeply about our city and the people in the city. His impact on Maplewood was great, he did so much to help turn our city around. I think we should rename a road or a park for him. We need to honor this great man. My prayers are with his family.