Roll of Honor
Incident
Marshal J.D. Graham was shot and killed by a drunk man seeking revenge as a result of an encounter with the marshal earlier in the evening. The marshal had ejected the man from a pool hall and ordered him to go home and go to sleep. The suspect went home, obtained a 12-gauge shotgun, and then went searching for Marshal Graham. He located the marshal on a city street. Marshal Graham again told the man to go home and then turned to walk away. The suspect shot Marshal Graham in the back of the head at a range of six feet, killing him instantly. The suspect was convicted of Marshal Graham's murder and sentenced to 40 years. However, while the suspect was out on appeal he was killed by Marshal Graham's son. The son was tried for murder and acquitted.
Survivors
Marshal Graham was survived by his wife and ten children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-OK-BB7C926F- Stewardship
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- 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.
City Marshal Graham served with the Temple Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Temple community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Graham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
City Marshal Jefferson Davis "J.D." Graham 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jefferson Davis "J.D." Graham's cause is highlighted.
How Jefferson Davis "J.D." Graham Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jefferson Davis "J.D." Graham is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jefferson Davis "J.D." Graham was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.