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Radetsky, James B. "Jimmy", 1913-1989

 Person

Biography

James Bernard Radetsky was born January 18, 1913 to Bessie Krossner and Simon Radetsky in Denver, CO. He was the sixth of seven children and grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. His parents were Russian/Polish immigrants who came to the US in 1887. The family ran a grocery store on Colfax and lived behind the store. James delivered groceries and sold newspapers to help support his family. He attended Fairview Elementary, Cheltenham, and North High School graduating in 1929 just shy of turning 16. He received a full scholarship to the University of Denver, joining Phi Sigma Delta Fraternity, and later graduated from Westminster Night Law School in 1941. James was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives from Denver County in 1944 at age 31. He served 3 terms as a Democratic legislator until 1951. He was only the second person of Jewish faith elected to the Colorado House. He practiced law and served on many philanthropic boards in the Denver area throughout his life. Organizing the Jewish National Fund in Denver, James raised money for Israel and served as the JNF chairman for 40 years. Along with three other community members, he also founded a Jewish day school in Denver, Hillel Academy. The Denver synagogue Base Madrash Kehillas Yaakov was named after him; Yaakov is his Hebrew name. He met his wife Goldye Yeddis through his brothers who lived in Kansas City, MO. They married August 28, 1938 and had three daughters, Carol Lee (1941), Linda Joyce (1943) and Beth Ellen (1949). He died in Denver on December 24, 1989.

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Jewish Contributions Scrapbook, 1943-1989

 Item
Identifier: B416.01.00004
Abstract

Scrapbook containing ephemera relating to James Radetsky's numerous service and philanthropic endeavors in addition to the Jewish National Fund. James, along with three other community members, founded a Jewish Day School in Denver, Hillel Academy. He also served on the board of many Denver area organizations.

Dates: Coverage: 1943-1989

Jewish National Fund Scrapbook, 1943-1985

 Item
Identifier: B416.01.00002
Abstract

Scrapbook containing ephemera relating to James Radetsky and the National Jewish Fund. James Radetsky founded the Jewish National Fund in Denver and served as chairman for 40 years. The Jewish National Fund is a non-profit organization founded in Switzerland in 1901 that supports Israel and its independence.

Dates: Coverage: 1943-1985

Oral History Interview with James B. Radetsky, March 21, 1978

 Item
Identifier: B416.02.00001
Abstract

46 minute oral history interview from March 21, 1978 about James Radetsky's time in Colorado General Assembly. It was the first interview of an oral history project about the Colorado General Assembly. Transcript of interview in collection file.

Dates: March 21, 1978

Personal Scrapbook, 1913-1989

 Item
Identifier: B416.01.00001
Abstract

Personal scrapbook containing ephemera relating to James Radetsky's personal life including his high school and college graduation, wedding photo, childhood photos.

Dates: Coverage: 1913-1989