Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant James Hunt was shot and killed while attempting to stop an ATM robbery near 6169 Jog Road in Lantana. While Sergeant Hunt was searching for one of the suspects, the other pulled out a handgun and shot him in the face twice, killing him instantly. The suspect then tried to commit suicide but survived. He was found guilty of Sergeant Hunt's murder and sentenced to death. However, in June 1998, the Florida Supreme Court commuted the death sentence to life in prison because the murder was not premeditated. Sergeant Hunt had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 13 years and had previously served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-8F1F87EF- 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.
Sergeant Hunt gave the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Palm Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hunt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant James A. Hunt III 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 97,784 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 23 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James A. Hunt III's cause is highlighted.
How James A. Hunt III Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Hunt III is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Hunt III was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
22 officers from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
