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James L. Grayson
Incident
Deputy Constable James Grayson was shot and killed on the 3300 block of Washington Avenue after he and another deputy confronted a group who were singing loudly and playing musical instruments near a park at 10:00 pm.
After Deputy Grayson ordered the men from the street one of them demanded to know who the officers were. As Deputy Grayson responded the man punched him in the face and grabbed a pistol. The two exchanged shots and Deputy Constable Grayson was fatally wounded. The subject was also wounded in return gunfire.
The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was pardoned by Governor James E. Ferguson on July 17th, 1917.
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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.
Deputy Constable Grayson gave the Harris County Constable's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Houston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Grayson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 16 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 27. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 27. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 27. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Mondays: 13.3%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 1 are honored on badge.nw.
