| 1 | Name: | Mr. James E. Burke | |
| Institution: | Partnership for a Drug-Free America & Johnson & Johnson | ||
| Year Elected: | 1991 | ||
| Class: | 5. The Arts, Professions, and Leaders in Public & Private Affairs | ||
| Subdivision: | 503. Administrators, Bankers and Opinion Leaders from the Public or Private Sectors | ||
| Residency: | Resident | ||
| Living? : | Deceased | ||
| Birth Date: | 1925 | ||
| Death Date: | September 28, 2012 | ||
In his nearly forty years (1953-89) with the Johnson & Johnson Corporation, James E. Burke earned much respect for the quality of his executive ability and his concern for those less fortunate in life than he. He was involved in several causes benefiting others, and he held many posts that reflect leadership and sound judgment. As chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson, he enhanced the importance of business ethics and corporate social responsibility by challenging and rededicating the principles of the Johnson & Johnson credo throughout the corporation. With primary concern for public safety, he recalled millions of bottles of Tylenol capsules during criminal tampering incidents in 1982 and 1986. Recognizing humankind's yearning for a longer and healthier life, he initiated a comprehensive program of employee wellness called "Live for Life." During a time when American industry was forsaking the research and development necessary to stay competitive, he saw the need to invest heavily, quadrupuling the corporation's R&D investment. Following his retirement, he became chairman of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, a coalition of communications professionals dedicated to persuading children to reject substance abuse. For this work he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, by President Clinton. He became Chairman Emeritus of PDFA at the end of 2002. Mr. Burke was a member of the National Business Hall of Fame, and Fortune magazine named him one of the ten greatest CEOs of all time. James Burke died September 28, 2012, at the age of 87, near New Brunswick, New Jersey. | |||