Incident
Deputy James Morgan was killed in an airplane accident while attempting to land on Peralta Road. His plane hit a power line and crashed upon approach. He had been involved in a search and rescue mission for a man lost in the Superstition Mountains who had been looking for gold. Deputy Morgan had served with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office for two years and previously served with the Eloy Police Department and Arizona State Prison.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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 Morgan gave the Pinal County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Florence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Morgan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Pinal County Sheriff's Office has lost 14 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 95 officers lost to accidents in AZ, 28.8% of the 330 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 5 officers in AZ were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1973, 90 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1973, 106 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 29. Of the 92 lost to accidents in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 34.5. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 29. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in AZ; November holds the most, 14.7%. Sundays: 14.7%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 7.1% of all 14 deaths at Pinal County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Pinal County Sheriff's Office has 14 officers remembered here, James among them.
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Edward Landers Drew
May 15, 1911
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William Dobson Mar 1, 1912
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William Phineas Brown
Aug 19, 1914
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John C. Power Nov 5, 1914
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Joseph E. Donaldson May 14, 1918
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Elwin Buchanan Conoley Aug 13, 1927
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Jack Hickox
Jun 8, 1938
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Samuel Dow Blackwell
Jun 6, 1943
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James Edward Smith
Aug 3, 1948
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Carlos Escamilla
May 14, 1955
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James Melvin Morgan
Feb 25, 1973
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James W. Linder
Mar 7, 1982
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Jason Patrick Lopez
May 4, 2001
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Donald Lee Mauldin
Aug 24, 2002
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
13 officers from Pinal County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.








