Detective Arnold Wilson James June 2, 1927 to May 2, 1992

Arnold W. James, the last surviving son of the late Henry and Anna (Allen) James, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

He was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Boston English High School in 1943. He then went on to serve with the United States Army during World War II seeing active duty in Germany.

Mr. James later attended West Virginia State College and until transferring to Northeastern University in Boston. He became the first police officer and the first African American to graduate from the University’s new College of Criminal Justice.

Arnold, an original member of the Tactical Patrol Force (T.P.F) served 22 years as a police officer and detective in the Boston Police Department. He retired only after being seriously wounded in the line of duty during an attempted robbery in Mattapan Square, April 29, 1977. He was awarded the Police Department Medal of Honor. This unfortunate incident interrupted the completion of his studies at Suffolk Law School.

Detective James’ interests in life were broad and deep. As a young football player, he was a member of the Eagle Athletic Association. He played semi-pro football for the Stratford (CT) Rockets. Arnold was a student of the nationally famous pianist, Bob Chestnut, at the Berklee College of Music, studying theory and arranging. He was a member of several police organizations and supported many community endeavors throughout his life. Among his many activities he volunteered as a coach in track, field, weight-lifting for several Roxbury youth serving agencies, including the Norfold House Centre and the Roxbury Interagency Council on Teenagers. Among his many awards, he was awarded the NAACP Man of the Year.

His was a life-long dedication to the education of young people, broadening their interests and developing their character. Officer James was a tutor, coach, mentor, and a promoter of education and the art of music. Arnold was always creating lives out of his life.

Arnold W. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Catherine (French) and Richard L. Guildford (who carries Arnold’s mantle as a member of the Boston Police Department).

Dr. Catherine James is an alumna of the Jeremiah E. Burke High School and retired principle of the Phineas Bates Elementary School in Roslindale, Massachusetts. She began work on this scholarship in 2010 as a way to promote education, entrepreneurship and the Boston Police Department.

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