Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Perry was shot and killed while he and another deputy attempted to serve a search warrant on a man suspected of making illegal whiskey. Deputy Perry was struck by a shotgun blast as he displayed the search warrant to the suspect at the man's home. The suspect then shot at the second deputy, who returned fire and killed the suspect.
Survivors
Deputy Perry had served with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office for two years and was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpnvt2hyy1gn15017dct- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Perry gave the Halifax County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Halifax community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Perry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Halifax County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 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 1931, 7 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 43. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 43. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 43. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.5% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 13.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Halifax County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 13.8% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Halifax County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Halifax County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
