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Incident
Deputy Cook was shot and killed as he and another deputy were escorting a bootlegger to jail. The man, 45, suddenly produced a pistol and shot him. The other deputy shot and critically wounded the suspect. Deputies had searched the man's home on the beach near Freeport and found a large quantity of illegal liquor.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Cook served with the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Angleton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Cook.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1925, 1 officer at Brazoria County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1909, with 2.
In 1925, 15 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Brazoria County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 39.5; the middle age was 38.
James was 38. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
James was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 25% of these deaths at Brazoria County Sheriff's Office; September holds the most, 37.5%. Wednesdays: 50%.
August holds 8% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office has 12 officers remembered here, James among them.
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Edward C. Smith Aug 10, 1902
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Hillen Armour Munson
Sep 15, 1909
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Tom Pye Sep 23, 1909
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Joe Hughes Snow
Sep 15, 1920
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James William Cook Aug 26, 1925
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Joseph Arthur Harnest
Dec 14, 1937
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John Wesley McKinney Oct 22, 1940
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James Carol Douglas
May 15, 1973
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Patrick Elton Roberts, Jr. Aug 17, 1990
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Jason Alexander Oliff
Dec 5, 2005
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Charles Allen VanMeter
Jun 26, 2011
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Jesus Vargas
Jan 15, 2025
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Brazoria County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
