James McEntee (labor leader)

James Joseph McEntee (19 September 1884 – 13 October 1957) was an American machinist and labor leader who served as the second director of the Civilian Conservation Corps from 26 February 1940 until it was terminated in 1942.[1][2]

James McEntee
James McEntee in 1940
Director of the Civil Conservation Corps
In office
26 February 1940 (1940-02-26) – 1942 (1942)
PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt
Preceded byRobert Fechner
Succeeded byCCC terminated
Personal details
Born
James Joseph McEntee

(1884-09-19)19 September 1884
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
Died13 October 1957(1957-10-13) (aged 73)
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
OccupationMachinist, labor leader

Life and career

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Left to right: William Green, Paul V. McNutt and James McEntee (March 7, 1940).

McEntee was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and trained in New York as an apprentice toolmaker. In 1911, he met machinist Robert Fechner and they became close friends and leaders in the International Association of Machinists.[3] When Fechner was named the first director of CCC, he brought on McEntee as executive assistant director. McEntee was nominated as Director by President Franklin Roosevelt following the death of Fechner.[4] The CCC grew under McEntee.[5][6] The start of U.S. involvement in World War II led to a rapid conversion into part of the war effort.[7]

McEntee returned to work for the International Association of Machinists. He died in Jersey City, New Jersey.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Staff report (February 27, 1940). Senate Confirms McEntee. New York Times
  2. ^ Staff report (July 1, 1942). Senate Ends CCC on House Demand; J.J. McEntee, Corps Director, to Supervise Dissolution, Beginning Today. Liquidation in 12 Months. Upper House, However, Insists on $8,000,000 Fund for Winding Up Agency. New York Times
  3. ^ Staff report (July 27, 1915,). Plan a Big Strike at E. W. Bliss Plant; Union Machinists to Make Demands on All Munitions Factories in East. Plam to Halt Contracts. Conference of Labor Leaders Today Will Arrange for Action of 5,000 Men in Eight Plants. New York Times
  4. ^ Staff report (January 1, 1940). Robert Fechner, Head of CCC, Dies; Director Since Its Founding Was Ex-Vice President of the International Machinists. Roosevelt Praises Work. Administrative Ability and Vision Cited, His Death Is Called Loss to Nation. New York Times
  5. ^ Staff report (July 31, 1940). CCC Boys Advance Rapidly in Health; Report by McEntee Shows Big Rise in Weight Among Those 'Substandard'. New York Times
  6. ^ Staff report (July 31, 1940). CCC Rolls Opened for More Youths; Rules Are Amended by McEntee to Admit Boys of Families Not Now on Relief 100,000 SOON TO ENLIST They Will Fill Places of the Retiring Members--VocationalTraining is Stressed. New York Times
  7. ^ Staff report (July 31, 1940). 85% Shift to War is Reported by CCC; Conversion Will Be Completed by June 25, McEntee Says . New York Times
  8. ^ Staff report (October 16, 1957). James J. M'Entee, Ex-C.C.C. Head, Dies; Director of Former Youth Corps; 74, Was a Leader in Machinists Union. New York Times
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