Roll of Honor
James Harris Ballenger
Incident
Location: Tennessee Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: Not available
Special Deputy Marshal James Ballenger was shot and killed in Putnam County, Tennessee, while assisting a deputy marshal serve a warrant on a local postmaster.
The postmaster had been charged by a U.S. Post Office inspector with violating postal laws by stealing a check from the mail.
The deputy marshal had deputized Special Deputy Ballenger and another man to assist with serving the warrant. As they approached the man he opened fire, killing Special Deputy Ballenger. The subject fled the state after the murder.
I am so very proud to be a descendant of James Harris Ballenger. Years ago the US Marshall's Service invited us all to a memorial presentation in his honor. It was so very moving to know that his sacrifice is remembered.
Kam Phillips Great-great granddaughter of James Harris Ballenger May 1st, 2024
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-FED-23D7A92F- 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
134 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Special Deputy Marshal Ballenger served with the United States Department of Justice.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Deputy Marshal James Harris Ballenger 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 DC, 754 of 1,419 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.1% of this state's fallen. That is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, 251 of 313 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Harris Ballenger's cause is highlighted.
How James Harris Ballenger Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Harris Ballenger is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Harris Ballenger was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
312 officers from United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
