Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff James Barclay was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for murder and auto theft. When surrounded by a posse the suspect shot and killed himself. Sheriff Barclay had served with the McDonough County Sheriff's Office for three years. He was survived by his wife, daughter and son. His son later went on to serve as a deputy sheriff and sheriff of McDonough County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-EC58AFFE- 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.
Sheriff Barclay gave the McDonough County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Macomb community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Barclay.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff James L. Barclay is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At McDonough County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James L. Barclay's cause is highlighted.
How James L. Barclay Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James L. Barclay is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James L. Barclay was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from McDonough County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.