Greg James dead at age 71, American tattoo artist

Greg James, an American tattoo artist known for designs and original artwork that appeared in magazines, books, documentaries and at the Hard Rock Cafe, died on June 4, 2026, at age 71.

Born Gregory James Schulthies in Chicago on December 18, 1954, he began drawing flash for his brother, Tennessee Dave, at 14 and later apprenticed with him in 1976. James worked in Los Angeles for years, including on Main Street in downtown Los Angeles and at the Pike in Long Beach, and became known for work ranging from single-needle black-and-gray pieces to classic Americana tattoos and large custom Japanese designs.