John J. Flemm
John J. Flemm | |
|---|---|
Flemm in 1950 | |
| Member of the Highlands Borough Council | |
| In office January 1, 1950 – January 1, 1951 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Parker |
| Succeeded by | Matthew F. Horan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John James Flemm July 31, 1896 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 13, 1974 (aged 77) |
| Resting place | St. Michael's Cemetery |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Paulyne Colbert (divorced) Edith Dooley |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | New York Institute of Technology |
| Occupation |
|
| Known for | Founding and leading the Flemm Lead Company |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1913–1918 |
| Battles/wars | |
John James "Jack" Flemm (July 31, 1896 – March 13, 1974) was an American industrialist, politician, and Navy veteran who founded the Flemm Lead Company. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in local government in New Jersey and was a county party boss during the 1950s.
Born and raised in New York City, Flemm attended the New York Institute of Technology before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1913. After fighting the German Empire in the First World War, he returned to New York and began his career in the lead industry during the Roaring Twenties. In 1927, he established the Flemm Lead Company in Queens and expanded operations into Michigan and Puerto Rico, eventually becoming one of the largest lead manufacturers in the United States.
After becoming a multi-millionaire, Flemm served as a member of the Highlands, New Jersey Borough Council from 1950 to 1951 and was chair of the Monmouth County Democratic Party Executive Committee. During his political career, he espoused views generally associated with progressivism and socialism, supporting reformist policies to create public works jobs and expand access to affordable housing. After leaving politics, he returned to his company and became an active philanthropist, establishing the John J. Flemm Foundation before his death.