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Incident
Marshal Jim Houser was shot and killed as he and another marshal responded to reports of an intoxicated man brandishing a shotgun on Valley View Avenue in Red Bank.
As the marshals walked to the man's home at 8:15 p.m., the suspect suddenly ran out and shot Marshal Houser in the chest and stomach with a shotgun. Marshal Houser died en route to the hospital. The shooter was taken to the county jail by his brother.
On November 10, 1929, the 39-year-old suspect was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 10 years.
Marshal Houser had served with the North Chattanooga Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Houser gave the North Chattanooga Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chattanooga community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Houser.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of North Chattanooga Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 63. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 63. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 63. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at North Chattanooga Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from North Chattanooga Police Department are honored on badge.nw.