Forrest Hood James Jr.

Forrest Hood "Fob" James, Jr. (born September 15, 1934) served as Governor of Alabama from 1979-1983, and again from 1995-1999. During his first administration the state faced considerable financial difficulties. A conservative Democrat, James implemented a ten percent State spending cut, instituted a hiring freeze and laid off a considerable number of the state employee workforce. James was unsuccessful when he attempted to impose a fuel tax, and also failed to eliminate income tax deductions for Social Security payments. Fob James was defeated for reelection in 1982 to George Wallace. However, he won a second term in 1994 as a Republican. During his tenure he took a tough stance on crime, strongly advocating capital punishment over life in prison.

Fob James
Governor of Alabama From: January 15, 1979 – January 17, 1983 January 16, 1995 – January 18, 1999
Predecessor	George Wallace
Successor	Don Siegelman
Information
Party	Democrat Republican
Spouse(s)	Bobbie Mooney
Religion	Episcopalian

Prior to entering politics, James played professional football in Canada and was a successful manufacturing executive.