C. O. James was the son of Charles F James and Sarah Hicks Brook. He was married to Ida M Whatley. He was a lawyer by profession, elected to be Hopkins County Attorney in 1886, then served in the Texas House of Representatives in the 1893-1895 session, was State Senator from 1899 to 1903. Served as District Attorney of Hopkins County. He was the father of three children.

Obituary from Dallas Morning News: 7 December 1931
Charles O. James
Former Senator Dies
Sulphur Springs, Texas, December 6-Former Senator Charles O. James ,71, well known Texas Jurist, died suddenly here Sunday at the home of his son-in-law, Judge J. K. Brim. For nearly half a century, Mr James has engaged in the practice of law and had in former years served as District Attorney and as a member of the State Senate from this district. Three daughters, Mrs. J. K. Brim of Sulphur Springs, Mrs Clive Templeton of Dallas, and Mrs Dial Currin of Durant, Oklahoma survive. Funeral services will be held here Monday afternoon by the Rev. H. R. Long, pastor of the First Baptist Church.

C. O. James was the son of Charles F James and Sarah Hicks Brook. He was married to Ida M Whatley. He was a lawyer by profession, elected to be Hopkins County Attorney in 1886, then served in the Texas House of Representatives in the 1893-1895 session, was State Senator from 1899 to 1903. Served as District Attorney of Hopkins County. He was the father of three children.

Obituary from Dallas Morning News: 7 December 1931
Charles O. James
Former Senator Dies
Sulphur Springs, Texas, December 6-Former Senator Charles O. James ,71, well known Texas Jurist, died suddenly here Sunday at the home of his son-in-law, Judge J. K. Brim. For nearly half a century, Mr James has engaged in the practice of law and had in former years served as District Attorney and as a member of the State Senate from this district. Three daughters, Mrs. J. K. Brim of Sulphur Springs, Mrs Clive Templeton of Dallas, and Mrs Dial Currin of Durant, Oklahoma survive. Funeral services will be held here Monday afternoon by the Rev. H. R. Long, pastor of the First Baptist Church.