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Incident
Marshal James Payne was shot and killed after he arrested an ex-convict for the burglary of a local store the previous evening.
Marshal Payne took the suspect into custody, and as they proceeded to walk toward the jail at about 1:00 pm, the suspect pulled a revolver at the corner of Fifth and Main streets, fatally wounding the marshal. The suspect held back a gathering crowd, firing at three citizens who came to assist Marshal Payne as he lay dying in the street. The suspect fled from the town but was shot and wounded during his escape.
The suspect, who had been released from prison six months earlier after serving a two-year sentence for burglary, was captured three days later by police in Tiffin, Ohio. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on August 28, 1941.
He was a Civil War Veteran, having served with the 140th Indiana Infantry, Company C. The men he served with played a big part in having the suspect's parole denied many times.
Marshal Payne was survived by his wife and two sons.
Survivors
Marshal Payne was survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Town Marshal Payne gave the Fairmount Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fairmount community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Joshua Payne served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fairmount Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 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 1903, 3 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 56. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.4% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Fairmount Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.9% 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Fairmount Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Military Service
James Joshua Payne served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Joshua Payne’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Fairmount Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
