Prev
Incident
Chief of Police J.A. Gargis suffered a fatal heart attack after a struggle with a mentally disturbed man during an arrest. Chief Gargis arrested a subject who blocked the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Massachusetts Avenue with a bus. The subject resisted arrest, and two civilians had to help Chief Gargis subdue the man. The subject tore apart his jail cell and after Chief Gargis calmed him down, he fell and did not regain consciousness. Chief Gargis had served with the Southern Pines Police Department for 10 years and previously served with the Raleigh Police Department. He was appointed Chief of Police in 1931. He was survived by his wife, five children, brothers, and sisters. One of his brothers served with the Raleigh Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, brothers, and sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmx3x5hs6d8qv531q2n6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jasper. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
22 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Gargis gave the Southern Pines Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Southern Pines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Gargis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Southern Pines Police Department has lost 6 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Jasper is one of 33 officers lost to cardiac events in NC, 5% of the 664 remembered there.
Jasper is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jasper is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1939, 1 officer in NC was lost to cardiac events, the 5th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1967, with 2.
In 1939, 5 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1939, 5 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 89th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Jasper was 53. Of the 33 lost to cardiac events in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 53; the middle age was 46. Jasper had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
Jasper was 53. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Jasper had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Jasper was 53. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Jasper had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
December holds 6.1% of these deaths in NC; January holds the most, 15.2%. Mondays: 6.1%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 12.9%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 16.7% of all 6 deaths at Southern Pines Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 5% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Southern Pines Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Jasper among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Southern Pines Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
