James W. Rutherford
| James W. Rutherford | |
|---|---|
| 86th Mayor of the City of Flint | |
|
In office 1975–1983 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Calvin Visser, City Commission Mayor |
| Succeeded by | James A. Sharp, Jr. |
| 90th Mayor of the City of Flint | |
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In office August 6, 2002 – 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Darnell Earley, Temporary |
| Succeeded by | Don Williamson |
| Flint Downtown Development Authority Director | |
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In office 2003–2008 |
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| Succeeded by | Larry Ford, interim |
| Deputy City Manager, City of Flint | |
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In office 1963–1965 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | April 23, 1925 Flint, Michigan |
| Died | January 14, 2010 (aged 84) Flint, Michigan |
| Nationality | United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Dorothy Petyak Betty Merrill (divorced) |
| Relations | Harry and Isabelle, parents; Genevieve Young, fiancée |
| Children | Michael, Jimmy, Marcia and Michele |
| Alma mater | Flint Central High School Flint Junior College Michigan State University |
| Profession | Law enforcement |
James W. Rutherford (April 23, 1925 – January 14, 2010) was a mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan serving as the first "strong" mayor elected under Flint's 1974 charter. Rutherford served for two terms. Rutherford was elected as a caretaker mayor after the recall of Mayor Stanley was recalled and an Emergency Financial Manager, Ed Kurtz, was appointed by the state.
James W. Rutherford was born on April 23, 1925 to Harry and Isabelle. Harry was a Buick worker. His family lived on the east side of the city and he eventually attended Flint Central High School. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Navy. He marries Dorothy Petyak in 1947. With Dorothy, they have four children, 2 of each.
The next year, Rutherford joins the Flint City Police Department.
In 1953, he is promoted to detective. He is lead detective on a Flint horse racing bookie operation from 1954 to 1955 which leads to 14 convictions or guilty pleads. Rutherford attends Flint Junior College graduating in 1958 with an associate degree with honors. He then attends Michigan State University (MSU) attaining a bachelor's degree in police administration with honors in 1960. Later continuing at MSU, he earns a master's degree. Also in 1960, he arrests on gambling charges suspected Mafia leaders. In 1961, he assists Flint Junior College in developing the state's first police administration program. From 1963 to 1965, Rutherford serves as deputy city manager rejoining the police department afterwords and promoted to police inspector. In 1966, he was considered one of 10 outstanding police officers in the country. Rutherford is promoted to Police chief in 1967 and operates a mobile city office in 1969. His wife, Dorothy, dies in 1974. Rutherford resign as Police Chief to run for Mayor in 1975.
Rutherford was elected mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan in 1975 as the first "strong" mayor elected under Flint's 1974 charter, defeating former city commission Mayor Floyd J. McCree. That same year, James married his second wife, Betty Merrill. In 1977, Rutherford donated $22,000 to the city for an ambulance which would serve until 2010.
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