United States of America
Headstone of James Oscar Summers
U.S. Army · United States United States

James Oscar Summers

Died March 4, 1944

James Oscar Summers served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Bodily force
What Happened

Policeman James Summers succumbed to injuries sustained on February 18th, 1944, while struggling with a prisoner inside a paddy wagon on Main Street. Other officers had just arrested the man for acting drunk and disorderly. During the transport the man started fighting with another prisoner and Policeman Summers attempted to separate the two. The man kicked Policeman Summers in the abdomen, causing serious internal injuries. Policeman Summers was transported to Georgia Street Receiving Hospital where he died on March 4th, 1944. The subject, 22, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to one to 10 years in prison. In 1952 he served a short sentence in Texas for drunk driving. On August 1, 1971, he and his passenger were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 14 near Mexia, Texas. He was driving on the wrong side of the road. The driver of the other car was killed and his passenger was admitted to a hospital in serious condition. Policeman Summers was a U.S Army veteran of WWI.

Media
James Oscar Summers
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Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Los Angeles Police Department
Policeman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 26W · Line 17 cut as J O SUMMERS
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtnctj58mprphvx7tv22w
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Policeman Summers served with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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