Jamie Fox
James Patrick Fox | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | February 20, 2017 (aged 62) Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Political figure, strategist |
| Known for | New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation; Deputy Executive Director of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
James Patrick Fox (October 30, 1954 – February 20, 2017) was a prominent American political figure and strategist. He held the position of New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation on two separate occasions and played a significant role within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ).
Biography
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Fox grew up in Union Township. His father served as the head basketball coach at St. Patrick High School, where Fox was also a student. He completed his studies in political science at Villanova University.
Fox maintained a long-standing professional relationship with U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli, acting as his Chief of Staff during both his Senate and House tenures. Additionally, he was employed by New Jersey Governor James Florio. Between 1999 and 2001, Fox directed the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee while Torricelli was chairman.
In 2002, Governor James McGreevey appointed Fox to lead as New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation and to chair the New Jersey Transit Board. The following year, McGreevey selected him as Chief of Staff, a role he fulfilled until McGreevey’s resignation in 2004. Subsequently, Fox assumed the role of Deputy Executive Director at the PANYNJ, managing regional airports, seaports, PATH trains, and overseeing development at the World Trade Center site.
Fox departed from the Port Authority in 2007 to pursue private consulting and lobbying work for United Airlines. In 2008, he contributed as a Senior Advisor to the Obama/Biden campaign in Florida before returning to consultancy.
Governor Chris Christie reappointed Fox as New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation in 2014. During this tenure, federal investigations scrutinized Fox concerning corruption probes tied to United Airlines lobbying efforts at PANYNJ. Accusations involved his participation in arranging a "Chairman's flight" for Port Authority Chairman David Samson and alleged ethics breaches connected to United Airlines’ dealings with Atlantic City Airport. Fox resigned in October 2015, emphasizing that the ongoing investigation did not affect his decision.
In addition to his governmental roles, Fox served on the New Jersey Local Finance Board and was known for his extensive collection of political memorabilia. He lived in Lambertville, New Jersey.
Fox passed away at age 62 from heart failure in Camden, New Jersey.
See also
External links
- 1954 births
- 2017 deaths
- American political consultants
- State cabinet secretaries of New Jersey
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey people
- New Jersey Democrats
- American gay politicians
- Politicians from Elizabeth, New Jersey
- People from Lambertville, New Jersey
- People from Union Township, Union County, New Jersey
- The Patrick School alumni
- Villanova University alumni
- LGBTQ people from New Jersey
- New Jersey commissioners of transportation
- Chiefs of staff to the governor of New Jersey