Representative William Francis James

William Francis James (May 23, 1873 – November 17, 1945) was a soldier, local and state official, and Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Michigan, serving ten consecutive terms in Congress from 1915 to 1935. Over two decades in the House of Representatives, he contributed to the legislative process during a significant period in American history and represented the interests of his constituents in Michigan’s 12th congressional district.

James was born on May 23, 1873, in Morristown, New Jersey. In 1876 he moved with his parents to Hancock, Michigan, in the state’s Upper Peninsula. He attended the public schools of Hancock and later pursued higher education at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, where he studied in 1890 and 1891. His early relocation to Michigan and education in the state helped establish the regional ties that would shape his later political career.

Before entering national politics, James combined military service, business pursuits, and local public office. During the Spanish–American War, he served as a private in Company F of the Thirty-fourth Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry. After the war he engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Houghton County. From 1900 to 1904 he served as treasurer of Houghton County, Michigan, gaining experience in public finance and administration. He further advanced in local government as a member of the board of aldermen of Hancock from 1906 to 1908 and then as mayor of Hancock in 1908 and 1909, roles in which he was involved in municipal governance and local affairs.

James’s success in local office led to service at the state level. He was elected to the Michigan Senate, where he served from 1910 to 1914. His tenure in the state legislature provided him with legislative experience and a broader political profile within Michigan, positioning him for election to the United States Congress.

In 1914, James was elected as a Republican to the 64th United States Congress from Michigan’s 12th congressional district, defeating incumbent Democrat William J. MacDonald. He took office on March 4, 1915, and was subsequently re-elected to the nine succeeding Congresses, serving continuously until January 3, 1935. During these ten terms in office, he participated in the democratic process in the House of Representatives and represented the interests of his constituents through a period that encompassed World War I, the postwar era, and the early years of the Great Depression. In the 71st Congress he served as chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, a position that reflected both his seniority and his background as a former soldier, and placed him at the center of legislative oversight and policy concerning the nation’s military establishment.

James’s long tenure in Congress came to an end in the mid-1930s. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1934, losing in the general election to Democrat Frank E. Hook. He again sought to regain the seat in 1936 but was once more defeated by Hook. These losses marked the conclusion of his congressional service after two decades in the House.

William Francis James died on November 17, 1945, in Arlington, Virginia. In recognition of his military service and long public career, he was interred in Arlington National Cemetery.