Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer James and Police Officer Herman Youngst were shot and killed near the intersection of San Jacinto Street and Congress Street by a suspect seeking revenge for being arrested the previous day. As the officers were on their patrol the man grabbed a shotgun and shouted at the officers. As Officer James approached him the man shot him. As Officer Youngst attempted to take cover he was also shot. The suspect then went over to Officer Youngst and struck him with the shotgun. Officer James, who was wounded in the street, was able to return fire and kill the suspect before succumbing to his wounds. Officer James had served with the Houston Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TX-129B7A9E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer James gave the Houston Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Houston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer James.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer John C. James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TX, 1,463 of 2,421 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Houston Police Department, 84 of 117 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 71.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John C. James's cause is highlighted.
How John C. James Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John C. James is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John C. James was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
116 officers from Houston Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
