Roll of Honor
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.
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 a box car of a fast moving freight train and fell backwards under the wheels.
David Weeks September 1st, 2021
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
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
Patrolman James J. Francisco 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 72.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Bluefield Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Francisco's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Francisco Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Francisco is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Francisco was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bluefield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
