Jim Folsom

James Elisha Folsom, Sr., also known as "Big Jim " ( born October 9, 1908 Coffee County, Alabama; † 21 November 1987 in Cullman, Alabama ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and the 45th Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

James Folsom attended the University of Alabama, the Howard College and the George Washington University. However, he never received a college degree. Folsom began his political career in 1933 with a defeat in the election for a Abgeordnentenposten in the State Convention of the Federal Prohibition Amendment. He also was twice, 1936 and 1938, defeated at start-up to the U.S. Congress. It failed in 1942 at his first attempt for the office of the Governor of Alabama. Folsom worked 1937-1946 for the Emergency Aid and Insurance Company. He also served in the Second World War and only returned in order to care for his terminally ill wife.

Governor of Alabama

On November 5, 1946 Folsom was elected the 45th Governor of Alamaba. His swearing-in ceremony took place on 20 January 1947. In addition, he was elected again for a second term on November 2, 1954. During his terms of office the financial expenditure for the promotion of education, the Highwaybau and pension benefits increased. The segregation in hotels and buses within state was declared by the federal courts as unconstitutional. In addition, hundreds of miles of roads were built across the state.

Further CV

Folsom left on January 19, 1959 from his position as governor and returned to his insurance business in Cullman. It failed in 1962 with his third attempt candidacy for the office of governor, and at various other times. James Elisha Folsom, Sr. died on 21 November 1987 and was buried in Cullman. He was married twice and that with Sarah Albert Carnley, as well as with Jamelle Moore. The result of these compounds were seven children. His son James Folsom Jr. was from 1993 to 1995 also governor of Alabama. He was also the uncle of George Wallace, another governor of Alabama.