John A. Gurkin
John A. Gurkin | |
|---|---|
| 155th Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia | |
| In office September 1, 1938 – August 31, 1940 | |
| Preceded by | Walton R. L. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Joseph D. Wood |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Arch Gurkin September 17, 1888 Dardens, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | December 25, 1976 (aged 88) Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Pearl Bell Vail
(m. 1907; died 1973) |
| Children | 3 |
| Signature | |
John Arch Gurkin (September 17, 1888 – December 25, 1976) was an American electrical contractor and politician who served on the Norfolk, Virginia city council. Born in the coastal plain region of North Carolina, he moved to Norfolk at the age of 16 to enter the electrical business, establishing his own successful firm two years later. He was active in business and civic circles.
After running an unsuccessful campaign for the council in 1930, Gurkin was elected in 1932 with the support of former Congressman Joseph T. Deal. He won reelection four years later, and, in 1938, he succeeded in displacing W. R. L. Taylor as president of the council and mayor of the city.