Ollie M. James (July 27, 1871 - August 28, 1918), a Democrat, represented Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. James was born and raised in western Kentucky. As a teenager he served as a page in the Kentucky General Assembly. James studied law and admitted to the bar in 1891, beginning his practice that year.
In 1902 James sought and won election to the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district, the far western part of the state. He was re-elected to the House four times, serving there from March 4, 1903 to March 3, 1913.
In 1912 James decided to give up his House seat to seek election to the United States Senate. He won that election and was sworn in on March 4, 1913. He served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Patents. He died in a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on August 28, 1918.
James is buried in Mapleview Cemetery in Marion, Kentucky.
Preceded by: Henry Allen Dixon U.S. Congressman, Kentucky 1st District 1903-1913 Succeeded by: Alben Barkley Preceded by: Thomas H. Paynter United States Senator from Kentucky, Class 2 1913-1918 Succeeded by: George B. Martin
