James J. Francisco

Bluefield Police Department — Bluefield, WV

Felonious

End of Watch June 11, 1907

Age 45

The Vigil Panel 21 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 4

Incident

Patrolman Jim Francisco was shot and killed as he another officer attempted to question a man creating a disturbance at the city jail. The man's wife had been arrested by the police chief earlier in the evening for being drunk in public and disturbing the peace.

When the woman's husband learned of the arrest he went to the jail and began arguing with the city jailer, who sent for the police officers. Patrolman Francisco and another officer arrived at the located the man in the court house yard. The man continued to cause a disturbance and opened fire on the two officers as Patrolman Francisco reached out to take hold of him.

The first shot wounded the other officer and another shot fatally struck Patrolman Francisco in the chest. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire and severely wounded the suspect. The man was taken into custody by the other officer after a short foot chase.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years. He was released in December of 1912. In March of 1913 he was killed when he jumped from the box car of a fast moving freight train and fell backwards under the wheels.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years. He was released in December of 1912. In March of 1913 he was killed when he jumped from a box car of a fast moving freight train and fell backwards under the wheels.

David Weeks September 1st, 2021

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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.
Patrolman Francisco served with the Bluefield Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bluefield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Francisco.

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

Agency

Department Bluefield Police Department

Location Bluefield, WV

Platform Identity bpd.mercer.wv.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 11, 1907

Age 45

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Gunfire

Weapon Handgun

Offender Released in 1912

Patrolman James J. Francisco 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At Bluefield Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.

Bluefield Police Department

of 5 officers

60% Felonious

WV — Statewide

169

of 232 officers

72.8% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious