Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Visit
    • Events and Programs
    • Schedule a Tour
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Collection
    • Collection Spotlight
    • Video Archive
    • Donate to the Collection
  • Exhibits
    • On-Site Exhibits
    • Online Exhibits
      • The History of Drug Use in America
      • DEA: Air, Land, and Sea
      • Cannabis, Coca, and Poppy: Nature’s Addictive Plants
      • Red Ribbon Week
    • Drugs: Costs and Consequences
    • Wall of Honor
  • Education
    • Lesson Plans
    • Junior Special Agent Program
    • Online Resources: Drug Use and Misuse
    • Online Resources: Drug Law Enforcement
    • Other Museums and Tours
    • Scouting and Youth Programs
  • Search
  • Menu
Home
Facebook Logo
  • About
  • Contact
  • Get Updates
  • Menu

Main Menu

  • Visit
  • The Collection
  • Exhibits
  • Education
  • Search
  • Menu
Effective May 7, 2025, all visitors 18 years or older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to enter the Museum.

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Wall of Honor
  3. James T. Williams
 
James T. Williams

James T. Williams

Agent

April 18, 1899 - October 16, 1924

Known as "Jimmy," Narcotic Agent James Thomas Williams of the Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Prohibition Service was shot and fatally wounded on October 16, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois. In the struggle with a suspect, Williams' partner, Narcotic Agent George Howard, accidentally discharged his service revolver, striking Agent Williams in the head. This tragic incident is believed to have occurred on Agent Williams' first assignment as a narcotic agent. He was 25 years of age at the time of his death.

Williams was given a temporary appointment as a narcotic agent in September 1924 and was permanently appointed to the Bureau on October 6, 1924. He took the oath of office on October 13, 1924, three days before his death. Prior to his appointment in Chicago, he had assisted narcotic agents for seven months in Indianapolis, Indiana, and was noted for his enthusiasm, which included using his own money and automobile to further investigations.

Agent Williams was described by Will Gray Beach, U.S. Narcotic Agent in Charge, Chicago Division, as "a splendid young man, as clean as a hound's tooth, capable, thorough and worth while [sic]."

Originally from Indianapolis, Agent Williams attended Ben Davis High School. He was survived by his parents, Lee H. and Kate Williams, who ran a grocery store in Sterling Heights, Indiana, just west of Indianapolis; two brothers, Glenn and Bennett; and two sisters, Elizabeth and Mary.

DEA Museum Logo
Visiting Address

700 Army Navy Dr
Arlington, VA 22202

Phone Number

(202) 307-3463

Mailing Address

8701 Morrissette Dr
Springfield, VA 22152

Museum Hours

Open Tuesday - Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Visit
  • The Collection
  • Education
  • Accessibility, Plug-ins, & Policy
  • Legal Policies & Disclaimers
  • No FEAR Act
  • Privacy Policy
  • U.S. Department of Justice EEO Policy
  • USA.gov
  • Whistleblower Protection

© Copyright 2021. Admission to the DEA Museum is FREE.

  • Email
  • Facebook