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Incident
Patrolman Jim Francisco was shot and killed as he another officer attempted to question a man creating a disturbance at the city jail. The man's wife had been arrested by the police chief earlier in the evening for being drunk in public and disturbing the peace.
When the woman's husband learned of the arrest he went to the jail and began arguing with the city jailer, who sent for the police officers. Patrolman Francisco and another officer arrived at the located the man in the court house yard. The man continued to cause a disturbance and opened fire on the two officers as Patrolman Francisco reached out to take hold of him.
The first shot wounded the other officer and another shot fatally struck Patrolman Francisco in the chest. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and severely wounded the suspect. The man was taken into custody by the other officer after a short foot chase.
The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years. He was released in December of 1912. In March of 1913 he was killed when he jumped from the box car of a fast moving freight train and fell backwards under the wheels.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Francisco served with the Bluefield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bluefield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Francisco.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bluefield Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 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 1907, 1 officer in WV was killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 45. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
James was 45. 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 was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 8.3% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Tuesdays: 19.5%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Bluefield Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bluefield Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bluefield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
