Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff James Sizemore was shot and killed while serving warrants in Ephram Creek. He was shot five times with a high powered rifle as he stepped out of his car.
No person was connected with the murder until 42 years later when a grand jury indicted a suspect on May 3, 2012. The suspect was convicted in 2013 and received a life sentence.
Sheriff Sizemore had served with the Clay County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 11 children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-53895C1D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Sizemore gave the Clay County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Manchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Sizemore.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff James Madison Sizemore is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Clay County Sheriff's Office, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Madison Sizemore's cause is highlighted.
How James Madison Sizemore Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Madison Sizemore is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Madison Sizemore was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
