James C. Healey

James Christopher Healey (December 24, 1909 – December 16, 1981) was a lawyer and Democratic Party political figure in New York. He was most notable for his nine years as a Congressman from a district based in the Bronx.

James C. Healey
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York
In office February 7, 1956 – January 3, 1965
Preceded by	Sidney A. Fine
Succeeded by	James H. Scheuer
Constituency	22nd district (1956–63) 21st district (1963–65)
Personal details
Born	December 24, 1909 The Bronx, New York
Died	December 16, 1981 (aged 71) Southampton, New York
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania St. John's University School of Law
Profession	Attorney

Early life

He was born in the Bronx.[1] He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1933[2] and St. John's University School of Law in 1936.[3] Healey attended the University of Pennsylvania on a track and field scholarship, and was a member of relay teams that set records for the one-mile run.[2] For several years, he was active as an official for the Amateur Athletic Union.[2]

He was an attorney for the New York State Labor Relations Board from 1938 to 1940.[1] He was an assistant United States attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1940 until 1943.[1]

Military service

Healey joined the United States Navy for World War II; he served from 1943 to 1946, including assignment to Europe, and attained the rank of lieutenant.[2]

Post-World War II

From 1946 to 1948, Healey was assistant corporation counsel for the city of New York.[1] From 1948 to 1956, he was counsel to James J. Lyons, the Bronx borough president, and was recognized as a protégé of Bronx Democratic leader Charles A. Buckley.[2][4]

Congressional career

In 1956, Healey was elected to Congress in a special election held to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Sidney A. Fine.[5] He was elected to a full term in 1956, was reelected three times, and served from February 7, 1956 until January 3, 1965.[6] Healey suffered a stroke in 1963;[7] he recovered in time to mount a campaign for reelection in 1964, but was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination.[8]

Healey was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions of 1956, 1960, and 1968.[6]

Retirement and death

In retirement, Healey was a resident of Southampton, New York.[2] He died there on December 16, 1981,[2] and was buried at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery in Southampton.[1]

Family

Healey was married twice; in 1938 he married Eleanor R. Callahan, the daughter of Bronx political figure Joseph M. Callahan.[9] After her death in 1956, Healey married Mollie Allen, who survived him.[2]

With his first wife, Healey was the father of four: James C., John J., Joseph, and Elizabeth Jane Healey Mulvihill.[2]

Healey had two brothers, Thomas M., and Vincent P.; Vincent was a United States Navy officer who retired with the rank of rear admiral.[2]

References

1. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005.
2. "James Healey Dead; An Ex-Congressman from Bronx District".
3. "Federation President and 33 Alumni Elected".
4. "The Boss's Henchman".
5. The Jews of Capitol Hill: A Compendium of Jewish Congressional Members.
6. Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 97th Congress.
7. "Schuer Pressing Healey in Bronx".
8. "Schuer Defeats Healey in Bronx".
9. Eleanor Callahan Married in Church.

Sources

Newspapers

• "Eleanor Callahan Married in Church; Daughter of Justice Joseph M. Callahan Is Bride of James C. Healey". New York Times. New York, NY. September 25, 1938.
• Fitzgerald, Owen (December 1, 1960). "Federation President and 33 Alumni Elected to Congress, Courts and State Legislature". St. John's University Alumni News. Queens, NY. p. 1.
• "The Boss's Henchman". New York, New York Times. New York, NY. May 26, 1964.
• Sullivan, Ronald (May 28, 1964). "Schuer Pressing Healey in Bronx". New York Times. New York, NY.
• Sullivan, Ronald (June 3, 1964). "Schuer Defeats Healey in Bronx". New York Times. New York, NY.
• "James Healey Dead; An Ex-Congressman from Bronx District". New York Times. New York, NY. December 18, 1981.

Books

• Stone, Kurt F. (2011). The Jews of Capitol Hill: A Compendium of Jewish Congressional Members. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 189. ISBN 978-0-8108-5731-5.
• United States Congress (2005). Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774-2005. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. 1227. ISBN 978-0-16-073176-1.
• United States House of Representatives (1982). Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 97th Congress. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. p. 788.

External sources

• United States Congress. "James C. Healey (id: H000424)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• James C. Healey at Find a Grave