Jesse James (Texas Treasurer)

Jesse James (October 10, 1904- September 29, 1977) was the longest serving Texas State Treasurer, serving in that post from 1941 until his death in 1977.

Early years

James was born near Thorndale, Texas in Milam County. He worked his way through college and became a merchant in his home county where he married Zana Bell.^[1]

Elected official

James served as a Democrat in the Texas House of Representatives from 1933 - 1937. In 1937, State Treasurer Charley Lockhart appointed James as the Assistant State Treasurer. In 1941, James was appointed Texas Treasurer by Governor Coke R. Stevenson when Lockhart resigned due to poor health. James was reelected repeatedly until his death in office in 1977. He was buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.

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