Jacob K. Javits

A Representative and a Senator from New York. Born in New York City, May 18, 1904. Attended the public schools. Traveling salesman. Attended night classes at Columbia University. Graduated from the New York University Law School in 1926. Admitted to the bar in 1927 and commenced practice in New York City. Lecturer and author of articles on political and economic problems. During the Second World War, served with the Chemical Warfare Service 1941-1944, with overseas service in the European and Pacific Theaters. Discharged as a lieutenant colonel in 1945. Resumed the practice of law. Elected as a Republican to the Eightieth and to the three succeeding Congresses and served from January 3, 1947, until his resignation December 31, 1954. Had been renominated in 1954 to the Eighty-fourth Congress but withdrew. Attorney general of New York 1954-1957. Elected as a Republican to the United States Senate in 1956 for the term commencing January 3, 1957, but did not assume his duties until January 9, 1957. Reelected in 1962, 1968, and again in 1974, and served from January 9, 1957, to January 3, 1981. Unsuccessful Republican candidate for renomination in 1980. Unsuccessful Liberal candidate for election to the United States Senate in 1980. Resumed the practice of law. Adjunct professor of public affairs at Columbia University's School of International Affairs. Author. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on February 23, 1983. Died in West Palm Beach, Florida, on March 7, 1986. Interment in Linden Hill Cemetery, Queens, New York City.