James Work

Muskogee County Sheriff's Office — Muskogee, OK

Felonious

End of Watch May 4, 1911

The Vigil Panel 25 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 6

Incident

Deputy James Work was shot and killed as he and another deputy went to a home to arrest a man wanted for cattle theft.

As they approached the home, the suspect, his brother, and a third man, opened fire on the deputies, killing Deputy Work. All three were apprehended in Denver, Colorado, a week later. In February of 1912 one, 23, was removed from jail to a hospital where he died from pneumonia.

In Our Keeping

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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.
Deputy Sheriff Work served with the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Muskogee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Work.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Muskogee County Sheriff's Office

Location Muskogee, OK

Platform Identity mcso.muskogee.ok.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch May 4, 1911

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Handgun

Deputy Sheriff James Work 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%.

At Muskogee County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 7 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.

Muskogee County Sheriff's Office

of 7 officers

100% Felonious

OK — Statewide

403

of 582 officers

69.2% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious