James R. "Jim" Roebuck Jr. (February 12, 1945 – May 15, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 188th District from 1985 to 2020.
James R. Roebuck Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 188th district | |
| In office June 3, 1985 – November 30, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | James Williams |
| Succeeded by | Rick Krajewski |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 12, 1945 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 16, 2024 (aged 79) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Cheryl Arrington
(m. 1987–2016) |
| Residence | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Alma mater | Virginia Union University, University of Virginia |
| Profession | educator |
Biography
editRoebuck was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School in 1963. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University in 1966, followed by a Master's degree (1969) and Ph.D. (1977) from the University of Virginia. In 1969, he became the first African American president of the UVA Student Council.[1]
Roebuck served as a lecturer (1970-1977) and assistant professor (1977-1984) of history at Drexel University.[2] He then worked as a legislative assistant to Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode (1984-1985).[3]
Following the death of James D. Williams, Roebuck won a special election on May 21, 1985 to represent the West Philadelphia-based 188th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was sworn-in on June 3, 1985 and subsequently reelected for 17 more terms, serving for 35 years. During his time in office, Roebuck was the Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.[4]
In June 2020, Roebuck was defeated in the Democratic primary by Rick Krajewski.[5]
References
edit- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20121021194632/http://www.virginia.edu/100yearslawn/HarrisonI/JamesR.html. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Roebuck v. Drexel University, No. 87-1301". vLex. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
- ^ "Biography". Archived from the original on 2014-12-15. Retrieved 2013-01-29.
- ^ "Members List". Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- ^ "Rick Krajewski declares victory over incumbent James Roebuck in Pa. House's 188th District primary".
External links
edit- Pennsylvania House of Representatives - James R. Roebuck Jr. official PA House website
- Project Vote Smart - Representative James R. Roebuck Jr. (PA) profile
- Follow the Money - James R. Roebuck Jr.
- Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus - Rep. James R. Roebuck Jr. official Party website