# John J. Flemm

John James "Jack" Flemm (July 31, 1896 – March 13, 1974) was an American industrialist, politician, and Navy veteran who founded the Flemm Lead Company. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a member of the Highlands, New Jersey Borough Council from 1950 to 1951 and as chair of the Monmouth County Democratic Party Executive Committee.

## Early life and military service

Flemm was born on July 31, 1896, in New York City, to Albert and Anna Carrie Flemm. He attended the New York Institute of Technology before enlisting in the Navy.
From 1913 to 1918, Flemm served in the United States Navy and fought the Central Powers during World War I.

## Business career

In 1927, Flemm established the Flemm Lead Company in Long Island City and served as its president until his death. He also owned the Detroit Lead Pipe Works Company, which had operations in Michigan and Puerto Rico. Flemm was a member of the Lead Industries Association and the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
In 1943, the Red Cross awarded Flemm the American Red Cross Award for contributions to the 1943 American Red Cross War Fund.
In 1948, Flemm funded the construction of an 8-by-120-foot (2.4 by 36.6 m) pile-and-timber pier, by the New York Corps of Army Engineers, that extends a total of 132 feet (40 m) into the Shrewsbury River, 1⁄2 mile (0.80 km) south of Route 36 in Highlands.
In 1949, Flemm purchased $29,000 in bonds, unanimously approved by the borough council, to cover repairs to the Highlands public water system.

## Political career

After declaring his candidacy, Flemm won the primary election in April 1949. In November 1949, Flemm was elected to the Highlands Borough Council for a one-year unexpired term, in a gain for Democrats, becoming the only Democrat elected to the council that year. He was sworn into office on January 1, 1950, succeeding Republican Richard Parker. He was appointed to serve on the Police Committee (as chair), the Water and Sewer Committee and the Finance and Public Buildings Committee.
During his tenure, Flemm proposed the construction of a low-rent housing project near Huddy Park, built by borough employees. He also drafted and led the effort to pass new zoning laws, increasing regulation on the size of new homes built and dividing the borough into four districts: two residential, one business, and one business/industrial.
After winning the primary, Flemm was defeated for re-election in November 1950 by Republican Matthew F. Horan.
In March 1950, Flemm was appointed to the Highlands Public housing authority for a four-year term. In December 1951, he resigned from the board citing "business requirements".
In April 1950, Flemm was elected chair of the Monmouth County Democratic Party Committee, defeating incumbent chair James N. Kinlan. In accepting the position, Flemm named Michael S. Mendes as co-leader due to "business obligations".
In 1950, Flemm was considered as a potential candidate for sheriff or freeholder of Monmouth County, but was persuaded to run for re-election by the local Democratic Party.

## Personal life and death

Flemm was married to Paulyne Colbert. They had two children: a son, John Jr., who married Marion G. Wells, and a daughter, Ruth. Flemm and Paulyne divorced and he went on to marry Edith Dooley. Edith served as president of the local Ladies Democratic Social Club. Flemm was commonly known as "Jack" and later "John Sr." after the birth of his namesake. John Jr. served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was wounded fighting in the Pacific theatre. Flemm is the adoptive great-grandfather of businessman John J. Flemm IV.
Flemm died on March 13, 1974, in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and was buried at St. Michael's Cemetery in East Elmhurst, Queens.