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James R. Fields
Incident
Wildlife Officer James Fields was shot and killed after he and his partner encountered two poachers who were illegally hunting at night in the Brown Lake Game Reservation in Calhoun County. One of the men fled when the officers approached them, with Officer Fields in pursuit. The man took up a concealed position in the darkness and shot Officer Fields when he came near. On October 3rd, 1951, the man was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was paroled on February 14th, 1957. Officer Fields had served with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Wildlife Officer Fields gave the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tallahassee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Wildlife Officer Fields.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has lost 15 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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 1950, 1 officer at Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1950, 2 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 93rd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1950, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1950, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission whose age is recorded, half were between 27 and 49; the middle age was 31. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 55. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 55. 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 had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 40% of these deaths at Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; November holds the most, 40%. Sundays: 40%.
December holds 9.3% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Sundays: 15.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 15 deaths at Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has 15 officers remembered here, James among them.
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Samuel S. Pinney
Mar 12, 1927
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Robert B. Bell
Sep 19, 1942
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George T. Sharp Dec 21, 1946
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James R. Fields
Dec 24, 1950
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Johnny Ingram Nov 25, 1951
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Noah Therman Smith
Nov 30, 1954
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Joel Lathem Harper Aug 12, 1962
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Marvin John Albritton
Aug 18, 1966
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James G. Thompson
Jun 25, 1968
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Leon Walker
Aug 13, 1970
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Harry Charles Chapin
Nov 5, 1972
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Jimmy Lee Cook
Dec 8, 1972
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Danese Byron Crowder
May 3, 1974
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Margaret E. Park
Dec 13, 1984
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Ray Lynn Barnes
Nov 21, 1987
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission are honored on badge.nw.
