Key Fact Summary
The following table presents the most consistently reported information about when and how James died, based on authoritative sources available as of this writing. Specifics can vary when multiple individuals named James are involved; this summary focuses on the most widely referenced public cases.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name / Common Reference | James (context-dependent; see disambiguation) | Authoritative bios, obituaries |
| Date of Death (notable James) | Varies by individual; e.g., James Brown died December 25, 2006 | Official obituaries, news archives |
| Age at Death (notable James) | Varies; e.g., James Brown was 73 | Obituaries, census records |
| Reported Cause of Death (notable James) | Complications from pneumonia (for James Brown) | Medical reports, verified news |
| Public Memorial Date | Scheduled memorial services as reported | Service notices, news |
What This Topic Covers
This piece explains the different notable figures named James and the dates of their deaths, focusing on clarity and verification. It disambiguates multiple historical and public figures named James, and presents timelines in a structured way. The goal is to answer directly when James died without speculation, while acknowledging which James is being referenced. Readers will find concise breakdowns, contrasts, and source types to support factual accuracy.
Which James We Are Referring To
Because the name James is common, clarification is essential when discussing death dates. Without context, "when James died" can refer to several well-known individuals, including musicians, athletes, politicians, and cultural figures. Many people search for this phrase meaning one specific James, often James Brown, but it can also refer to athletes or local figures. Below are the most frequently asked-about James figures and their verified death dates. Identifying the correct James removes ambiguity and aligns search intent with reliable information.
James Brown (Musician)
James Brown, the influential American singer and songwriter known as the Godfather of Soul, died on December 25, 2006. His death was attributed to complications from pneumonia. He was 73 years old at the time of his passing. Public memorial services were held in multiple cities, reflecting his broad cultural impact. Official records and news archives from late 2006 confirm these details.
James Gandolfini (Actor)
James Gandolfini, best known for his role as Tony Soprano on The Sopranos, died on June 19, 2013. He passed away while on vacation in Rome, Italy, and the cause was reported as a heart attack. He was 51 years old at the time of death. Reports from Italian authorities and U.S. news outlets corroborate the timeline and circumstances.
James Meredith (Activist)
James Meredith, a civil rights activist known for integrating the University of Mississippi, is still alive as of 2025. He was born in 1933 and has lived a prominent public life. It is important to distinguish him from James figures who have died. Searches referencing 'when James died' sometimes mistakenly assume his death, making clarification necessary.
Common Points of Confusion
Confusion often arises because multiple prominent Jameses exist, and not all are public figures. When people ask when James died, they may be referencing a family member, a local figure, or a celebrity seen in media. The following list highlights common points of confusion and the correct context for each. Cross-checking names and dates helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you are looking at the right James.
- James Brown versus other musicians named James — confirmed death date: December 25, 2006.
- James Gandolfini versus similarly named actors — confirmed death date: June 19, 2013.
- James Meredith, who is still alive and often misidentified in death queries.
- Less public James figures, where obituaries may be regional and not widely indexed.
How to Verify the Correct James
To verify which James the question refers to, examine full names, professions, and geographic context. Media databases, obituary archives, and official registries are reliable sources. When only a first name is used, searches can return inaccurate results. Adding a middle initial, location, or profession narrows results effectively. Using trusted sources reduces ambiguity and supports accurate fact-finding.
Reliable Sources and Further Reading
For ongoing fact checks on notable James figures, consult authoritative biographies, news archives, and official records. Publicly available obituaries, census data, and verified media reports provide traceable evidence. When researching similar queries, prioritize primary sources and institutional records over informal references. These materials remain useful for future reference and support long-term accuracy.
Summary and Answer-First Recap
When James died depends on which James is intended. James Brown died on December 25, 2006; James Gandolfini died on June 19, 2013; James Meredith is alive as of 2025. Without added context, the phrase is ambiguous, but verified timelines exist for the most frequently referenced individuals. This overview prioritizes clarity, distinctions, and source transparency. Readers can use these details to pinpoint the correct person and confirm dates reliably.