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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Pugh was shot and killed in Fouke after responding to a fight involving several drunk men near the Fouke Lumber Company commissary at about midnight.
He had placed one man under arrest when another approached him and opened fire, killing him. The man fled toward Hickory and remained at large until committing suicide in Choctaw County, Alabama, about two weeks later.
Deputy Pugh was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and several siblings.
Survivors
Deputy Pugh was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and several siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pugh served with the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bay Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pugh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jasper County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 1 officer in MS was killed feloniously, the 70th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 6.2% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Saturdays: 18.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Jasper County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Jasper County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jasper County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
