James B. Longley

One of the most unforgettable persons I ever met was James B. Longley. I worked in Jim’s insurance agency in Maine after I was separated from the Navy. Jim had pure blue eyes that riveted whomever he was speaking in his hypnotic focus. Maybe that was the secret of his renown success in the insurance business. Million-dollar-earners from other insurance companies came to Maine to worship at his feet and learn from his wisdom.
Jim was well connected with the movers and shakers in Maine and at the request of then-Governor Ken Curtis, led a state commission to make government more efficient and cut costs. Longley saved the state over 24 million dollars.
That led to an effort in 1974 to convince him to run for the governorship. Longley refused, “I’m a business man,” he insisted. His suitors persisted, and Longley reluctantly agreed, but with two conditions: first he would only run on the independent ticket, and secondly if he won he would only serve one term.
His promotors argued the second condition—unfortunately–would not be a factor because no one could win as an Independent. Surprise, surprise. Longley was elected governor. I had left Maine at that time to join a family business in Indiana but read with great interest the turn-around Governor Longley achieved for the state. Companies no longer fled Maine. Debt was reduced. And politicians were challenged to serve the people.
Nearing the end of Jim’s term, all assumed he would re-up as governor. “No, he said, “I told you only one term.” Six months before Longley was to leave office he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. One year later, at age 56 James B. Longley was dead.
The impact of Longley’s ethics, altruism, sincerity, and goodness were extraordinary. His five children—Susan, James, Kathy, Steve, and Nancy—carried on the unselfish quest to serve the public taught by their father. Susan, an attorney and judge served in the Maine Senate. James, a lawyer, was a Maine Congressman. Steve, like his father, loved Maine’s natural beauty and was a registered trail guide.
I treasure my memories of Jim Longley.