I Know Somebody For That
James Construction Co. — Honoring 88 Years of an Oakland, NJ Institution
James Construction Co., Inc. has been an Oakland, NJ institution since 1937 — a family-run construction company that helped build northern New Jersey for nearly 90 years. As they close their doors after an incredible 88 years, the Chopper Russo Team wanted to honor their remarkable legacy in this special episode of our series.
- Founded
- 1937, in Oakland, NJ — by Alexander Potash
- Legacy
- 88 years of continuous operation — third & fourth generation family
- Based In
- 65 Edison Avenue, Oakland, NJ 07436
- Known For
- Complete site development — earthwork, grading, underground utilities, retaining walls, site concrete & asphalt paving for commercial, industrial & institutional projects across northern & central NJ
Honoring the Legacy of James Construction
Some businesses don't just operate in a town — they help build it. James Construction Co., Inc. was founded in 1937 by Alexander Potash right here in Oakland, Bergen County, and operated continuously for the better part of a century, most recently led by third- and fourth-generation members of the founding family. After 88 remarkable years, 2025 marks the company's final year.
Theirs is a story of craftsmanship, loyalty, and deep roots. James Construction proudly employed a union labor force, with project superintendents who stayed with the firm anywhere from 8 to 45 years, and owners who each gave three and four decades of their careers to the company. They specialized in complete site development — earthwork, grading, underground utilities, retaining walls, site concrete, and asphalt paving — shaping commercial, industrial, and institutional projects throughout northern and central New Jersey. The kind of foundational work, quite literally, that communities are built on.
As they write farewell to a remarkable run, we simply want to say thank you — for 88 years of contribution to Oakland and the region, and for being exactly the kind of family institution that makes this community what it is. That's a legacy worth celebrating.
Why We Celebrate Oakland's History
The Chopper Russo Team is your local real estate resource for Oakland and Bergen County, NJ. We created "I Know Somebody For That" to celebrate the businesses and people who make our community a great place to live — and that includes honoring the institutions, like James Construction, that helped shape Oakland over generations.
Here's to 88 years. It's history like this that makes Oakland a place people are proud to call home — and when you're ready to put down roots here yourself, we know this community inside and out.
James Construction Co. — Frequently Asked Questions
When was James Construction founded?
James Construction Co., Inc. was founded in 1937 by Alexander Potash in Oakland, Bergen County, NJ, and operated continuously for 88 years.
What did James Construction specialize in?
They specialized in complete site development — earthwork, grading, underground utilities, retaining walls, site concrete, and asphalt paving — for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients in northern and central New Jersey.
Was James Construction a family business?
Yes. Founded in 1937, it was run by third- and fourth-generation family members, with a union labor force and superintendents who stayed with the firm for decades.
Is James Construction still in business?
After 88 years, 2025 is James Construction's final year. This feature is a tribute honoring the company's long legacy of service to Oakland and the region.
Where was James Construction located?
James Construction was based at 65 Edison Avenue, Oakland, NJ 07436.