Jack Williams (American politician)
John Richard Williams (October 29, 1909 – August 24, 1998) was an American radio announcer and politician. After gaining public recognition throughout Arizona because of his work in radio, he went on to become a two-term mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, and a three-term governor of Arizona. A constitutional amendment, approved by Arizona voters in 1968, resulted in Williams serving eight years as governor and being the first governor of Arizona to serve a four-year term.
Jack Williams | |
|---|---|
| 13th Governor of Arizona | |
| In office January 2, 1967 – January 6, 1975 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Pearson Goddard Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Raúl H. Castro |
| 47th Mayor of Phoenix | |
| In office January 3, 1956 – January 4, 1960 | |
| Preceded by | Frank G. Murphy |
| Succeeded by | Sam Mardian |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Richard Williams October 29, 1909 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 24, 1998 (aged 88) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Vera May
(m. 1942; died 1997) |
| Alma mater | Phoenix College |
| Profession |
|
As mayor of Phoenix, Williams led efforts to grow the city that produced a series of annexations and construction of new governmental buildings. As governor he focused primarily on economic development within the state. His final term as governor was marred by a recall effort, led by Cesar Chavez, in response to his signing of a farm labor bill into law.