Jim Luken

James T. Luken (December 31, 1921 – July 12, 1979) was an American politician and labor union leader of the Democratic party, who served as mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1970s.

Jim Luken
55th Mayor of Cincinnati
In office December 1, 1976 – 1977
Preceded by	Bobbie L. Sterne
Succeeded by	Jerry Springer
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 24th district
In office January 1, 1973 – December 1, 1975
Preceded by	Dale Schmidt
Succeeded by	Terry Tranter
Personal details
Born	(1921-12-31)December 31, 1921
Died	July 12, 1979(1979-07-12) (aged 57) Cincinnati, Ohio
Resting place	New St. Joseph Cemetery[1]
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Ida Smith[1]
Relations	Tom Luken (brother)

Career

After graduating from Norwood High School, Luken started a milk delivery route in 1941. At age 26, he was elected president of the Milk and Ice Cream Drivers and Dairy Workers Local 98 and would continue to serve in that role for the rest of his life.^[2] The Milk Driver's Union was a subsidiary of the Teamsters. Luken was one of the few Teamsters who stood up to the corrupt leadership of Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa. Luken withdrew the dairy workers from the Teamsters Union and testified against Hoffa before the United States Senate.

Luken served in the Ohio House of Representatives from January 1, 1973 until December 1, 1975, when he resigned after being elected to Cincinnati City Council.^[3] The following year he became Mayor of Cincinnati.^[4]

Personal life

Luken was one of eight children in his family.^[2] His brother Tom Luken and his nephew Charlie Luken, both served as U.S. representatives and mayors of Cincinnati.

Headstone

Luken died in 1979 and is interred at New St. Joseph Cemetery.^[1]