Police Officer James Franklin Willis
Houston Police Department
Texas

End of Watch: Wednesday, July 1, 1964
Cause: Automobile accident

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Officer Willis was killed in an automobile accident on Market Street while attempting to stop a speeding car. His patrol car went out of control, veered into the median, and then back onto the street. When his patrol car entered the street it was struck by another car and sheered in half. Officer Willis was thrown from the car and sustained severe injuries. He was rushed to Northshore Hospital, but was moved shortly thereafter to Ben Taub General Hospital with massive injuries to the head, face and chest. A doctor from Northshore Hospital rode in the ambulance with Officer Willis to Ben Taub. Officer Willis died from those injuries at 2:30 p.m. the following day.

Officer Willis was survived by his wife, two sons, mother, two sisters, and brother.

 
Photograph: Police Officer James Franklin Willis

Patch image: Houston Police Department, Texas

Visit Police Officer Willis's memorial at www.ODMP.org