Wayne James

Wayne Tyrone James, Jr. was a compassionate and selfless young man known for his thoughtful, honest, and respectful nature. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 6, 1998, to Wayne T. James, Sr. and Cherica Dianne Fisher, he was a beloved son, brother, and friend. Growing up, Wayne was educated in Duval County schools and was a gifted athlete who excelled at basketball and other sports. Remembered by loved ones as a comedian at heart, he loved to make people laugh and smile. His family recalled that he would give the shirt off his back to help someone, even if it meant he would go without. A person of faith, Wayne had joined The Potter's House International Ministries two years before his death. At 19 years old, the African-American teen was looking for a fresh start in life, but his dreams were cut short.

The final day of 2017 brought a tragic end to Wayne's life. In the early evening of New Year's Eve, just before 6 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the Moncrief area of Jacksonville. They arrived at the intersection of 34th and Wilson streets to find Wayne inside a vehicle. He had been shot to death. His killing marked one of the final homicides in a violent year for the city, which recorded 141 homicides in 2017.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office immediately began a homicide investigation. Detectives processed the scene at 34th and Wilson streets, but details about what led to the shooting were not immediately clear. In the initial days of the investigation, authorities did not release any information about a potential suspect or motive. The case was left with many unanswered questions, and investigators turned to the public for help, asking anyone with information to come forward.

As of the latest available information, the murder of Wayne James remains unsolved. There have been no publicly announced arrests, charges, or significant breakthroughs in the investigation. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office continues to seek leads that could bring justice to Wayne’s family and hold his killer or killers accountable. His family and friends were left to mourn a young man they remember as a loving person who is deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Wayne's life was held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at The Potter's House International Ministries. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Henry James, and leaves behind his father, mother, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory.

The case remains an open and active investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the shooting death of Wayne Tyrone James, Jr. to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.