James Hedges facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Hedges
Tax Assessor for Thompson Township, Fulton County, Pennsylvania
In office 2002–2010
Personal details
Born	James Arthur Hedges (1938-05-10)May 10, 1938 Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.
Died	March 4, 2024(2024-03-04) (aged 85) Hagerstown, Maryland, U.S.
Political party	Prohibition
Spouse	Carolyn Dick
Education	University of Iowa (B.A.) University of Maryland (M.A.)
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Unit	United States Marine Band

James Arthur Hedges (May 10, 1938 – March 4, 2024) was an American politician. He was known for being a member of the Prohibition Party, a political group that historically supported banning alcohol. James Hedges served as the Tax Assessor for Thompson Township, Pennsylvania. He was also the Prohibition Party's candidate for president in 2016. He was the only person from the Prohibition Party to be elected to a public job in the 21st century. This was the first time since 1959 that a Prohibition Party member won an election.

Early Life and Education

James Arthur Hedges was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on May 10, 1938. His parents, Robert Hedges and Margaret Ayres, chose not to drink alcohol for religious reasons. When he was in high school, James became interested in the Prohibition Party after reading about it in a newspaper.

He finished high school in 1956. James then went to the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music in 1960. Later, he studied at the University of Maryland and received a master’s degree in geography in 1972.

Serving in the Marine Band

From 1960 to 1980, James Hedges played the tuba in the United States Marine Band. This is a famous band that performs for the President and at important events.

On June 16, 1990, he married Carolyn Dick in Hancock, Maryland. James also built his own house in Fulton County, Pennsylvania. He worked in the printing business, even running his own company called Camel Press.

Public Service and Political Journey

James Hedges had a varied career before becoming more active in politics. From 1972 to 1983, he worked as an editor for a science bulletin. He also wrote for local newspapers, focusing on environmental topics. He became the first Recycling Coordinator for Fulton County. This job involved helping people recycle more.

In 1980, James retired from the military. After this, he became more involved with the Prohibition Party. In 2005, he was chosen as the Secretary of the Partisan Prohibition Historical Society. He also helped publish the party's newsletter.

Becoming a Tax Assessor

In 2001, James Hedges ran for the job of Tax Assessor in Thompson Township. A tax assessor is someone who figures out the value of property so that taxes can be fair. He won the support of both the Republican and Democratic parties by getting people to write his name on their ballots. This meant he was the only candidate listed for the job.

His election was a big deal for the Prohibition Party. He was the first person from their party to win an election since 1959. James was reelected in 2005. He served until 2007, when the state government decided to remove the Tax Assessor job in his area.

Presidential Campaigns

James Hedges decided to run for president as the Prohibition Party's candidate several times.

He first tried to get the party's nomination for the 2012 election. He announced his plan in 2010. However, he did not win the nomination that year.

Later, James Hedges received the Prohibition Party's presidential nomination for the 2016 election. This happened during a meeting held over the phone in July 2015. He appeared on the ballot in states like Arkansas, Colorado, and Mississippi. He received 5,617 votes in total. He was the first Prohibition Party presidential candidate to be on the ballot in Mississippi since 1896.

Later Life and Passing

After the 2016 election, James Hedges continued to serve the Prohibition Party as its secretary. He passed away in Hagerstown, Maryland, on March 4, 2024, at the age of 85.

Electoral history