Edmund J. James, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Edmund J. James

American economist, professor, and university administrator

Date of Birth: 21-May-1855

Place of Birth: Jacksonville, Illinois, United States

Date of Death: 17-Jun-1925

Profession: economist

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Edmund Janes James (May 21, 1855 – June 17, 1925) was an American academic, president of the University of Illinois from 1904 to 1920, and the primary founder, first president and first editor for the American Academy of Political and Social Science.James was born in Illinois and attended both Northwestern University and Harvard before receiving his doctorate in political economy from the University of Halle in 1877.
Upon his return to the United States he received an appointment as a high school principal.
In 1883, James was appointed at the University of Pennsylvania as professor of public finance and administration.
It was there that he became the director of the Wharton School of Finance and Economy.
While in Philadelphia, James organized the American Academy of Political and Social Science to foster research to help solve important social problems.
In 1893, James left Philadelphia to accept a professorship in public administration and directorship of the university's extension program at the University of Chicago.
In January 1902, he accepted the presidency of Northwestern University, but quickly became disenchanted with the school's lack of foresight and began negotiations with the University of Illinois, where he became president in 1904. In 1919, James fell ill and took a leave of absence from the university.
In 1920, he permanently retired.