James Wise “Baby James” Death and Obituary – An Augusta tattoo artist died Saturday night after being shot in the neck on Cooney Circle, authorities said.
Richmond County deputies were called at 6:10 p.m. Saturday to the Jennings Place community and found an adult male who had been shot in the neck and died from his injuries.
He has been identified as 32-year-old James Andrew Wise, who goes by the nickname “Baby James.” Coroner Mark Bowen said he was shot inside a residence and was pronounced dead at 7:09 p.m. Saturday.
“Investigators are on scene and no further information is available at this time,” sheriff’s Sgt Caleb Lee said in a press release at 7:32 p.m. Saturday.
Richmond County deputies responded at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday to a call from the Jennings Place community, where they discovered an adult male who had been fatally shot in the neck. The victim was later identified as 32-year-old James Andrew Wise, known affectionately as “Baby James.” According to Coroner Mark Bowen, Wise was shot inside his residence and was pronounced dead at 7:09 p.m. on Saturday.
At 7:32 p.m., Sheriff’s Sergeant Caleb Lee issued a press release confirming that investigators were on the scene, but no additional details were available at that time.
News of Wise’s death spread rapidly online, and he was widely mourned, particularly for his exceptional skills as a tattoo artist. Social media posts poured in from friends and clients alike. Tan T. Bailey expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, “Not James Wise. Bruh ain’t bother nobody. I was just about to get bruh to do my tattoo. I’m sicka Augusta. This s**t hurt bruh.” Tookie Hunter remembered their shared tattoo sessions with fondness, writing, “Our tattoo sessions was lit and you were such a cool person. You showed love every time I seen you. Baby James RIP.” Meanwhile, Shuntel Blake paid tribute to his artistry, remarking, “He did most all my ink… and rep that green, gold, and white. Like what’s up man?”
This tragic incident marks the sixth confirmed homicide in Richmond County this year, a stark contrast to last year’s early-year total of four, which eventually surged to 50 by the end of that year. The rising violence in the county underscores the critical challenges facing local law enforcement as they continue their investigations into these incidents.