Princeton honors James Mack for his “profound impact” on the community

PRINCETON, NJ – The council on Monday honored longtime Princeton resident and hairstylist James “Jimmy” Mack for his contributions to the community.

Mack was born on May 3, 1931 in Roanoke, VA and moved to Princeton in 1952 after completing his service in the Navy.

Mack was a machine gunner aboard the USS Midway in the Korean War.

There he discovered a new calling when he saw an advertisement for a hairdresser on board, which “ignited a passion that would shape his future,” the proclamation says.

He joined his uncle Claude and brother William at Mack’s Sanitary Barber Shop on Witherspoon Street, where he honed his skills.

Mack opened Jimmy’s Barbershop at 141 John Street, creating a cultural center.

“For over 50 years, Jimmy’s Barbershop has been a community sanctuary where the air vibrated with the hum of clippers, laughter and soulful melodies, creating a vibrant web of shared experiences,” the proclamation states.

“Princeton’s African-American residents have a proud heritage, and Jimmy’s presence as a cornerstone of the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood symbolizes strength, perseverance and self-reliance.”

Councilor Leighton Newlin thanked community members for their presence and support of the Mack family.

He called Mack a “great human being, a great humanitarian, a good person, a great family man, a good friend, a mentor and a damn good hairdresser.”

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