Biography

Member of New York state legislature, 1914-1925. Mayor of New York City, 1926-1932.

Buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetary, Valhalla, New York.

Popular Mayor of New York City, the epitome of New York during the Roaring Twenties, the charming, handsome, dynamic Walker was also backed by the notorious Tammany Hall and tolerated widespread corruption at just about every level of city government during his six years as Mayor (1926 - 1932). He resigned suddenly in the midst of an investigation by Judge Samuel Seabury into wrongdoing in the city government. After several years of self-imposed exile in Europe, Walker returned to New York to a warm welcome in the late 1930's and remained a popular figure in the city until his death.

Adopted two children with Betty Compton: Mary Ann, born and adopted in early 1936, and James John II, born and adopted in 1937.

Beau James (1957) was a biopic about the life of Jimmy Walker starring Bob Hope as Walker, and based on a non-fiction book of the same name by Gene Fowler. American prints of the film were narrated by Walter Winchell; while prints exhibited in British theaters were narrated by Alistair Cooke. The film included uncredited appearances by many Broadway stars of 1920s-1950s, including Jimmy Durante, Sammy Cahn, and Jack Benny, where were all personal friends of Walker.