David James was elected on November 2, 2010 to serve as Councilman of the Metro Council’s Sixth District. He represents the neighborhoods of Algonquin, California, Limerick, Old Louisville, Park Hill, Russell, St. Joseph, Shelby Park, Smoketown-Jackson, Taylor-Berry, University, and the Central Business District.
James, a Louisville native, attended Virginia Avenue Elementary and Cane Run Elementary schools and graduated from Butler High School in 1979. He then went on to attend the University of Louisville, pursuing a degree in Police Administration.
In 1984, James joined the Louisville Police Department to begin his career in law enforcement. While an officer, James was a member of patrol divisions and later promoted to Detective. He has worked as an undercover detective in Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence. He also served as a member of the LPD S.W.A.T. Team. He served two years as a Public Information Officer. During his time with Louisville Police, he has been certified in officer training and as a police officer instructor. He is currently a Lieutenant in the University of Louisville Police Department where he supervises a staff of officers and personnel.
James' experience in law enforcement and public safety goes far beyond his career as a police officer. James has held elected positions of President and Vice President of the Louisville Fraternal Order of Police, where he continues to serve on its Board of Trustees. From 2004 to 2007, he was Commissioner of the Kentucky Bureau of Investigation, the investigative arm of the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office. His focus was to improve and streamline investigations of crime and prosecution. James was also part of the United States Army Reserves between 1983 and 1989. As a Military Intelligence Specialist with a "Top Secret" clearance level, his responsibilities included gathering intelligence and evaluating military units for their combat readiness.
The Councilman has also been actively involved in the community with the following Charitable Organizations: Citizens Advocacy, Elder Serve Board of Directors, Special Olympics of Kentucky, Perverted Justice Board of Directors, and the Fraternal Order of Police. In addition to these activities, James also serves as Chair of the University of Louisville Staff Senate.
James serves on three committees of Metro Council: Public Safety, Labor and Economic Development, and Contracts and Appointments. He is the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, bringing a great deal of expertise and passion to this position of leadership in the Council. He is also a member of the Committee on Appointments and the Labor and Economic Development Committee.
James says he looks forward to working with residents and businesses in the Sixth District to promote not only public safety and economic growth but an understanding of how everyone can play a role in making the district a better place to live.
David married his sweetheart, Michelle on July 9th, 2011 at the Old Louisville Women’s Club. Together, they have two daughters Jessica and Jordan. David and Michelle reside in historic Old Louisville where they enjoy long walks with their dog, Charlie.