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Incident
Chief of Police Jim Simpson suffered a fatal heart attack while at the police station at 401 South Jefferson Avenue in Lebanon. He was transported to Breech Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Chief Simpson had served with the Lebanon Police Department for 21 years and had previously served with the Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
21 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Simpson gave the Lebanon Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Lebanon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Simpson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Lebanon Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 32 officers lost to cardiac events in MO, 3.9% of the 829 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1984, 2 officers in MO were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 23 years on record. The heaviest was 2007, with 3.
In 1984, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1984, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 51. Of the 30 lost to cardiac events in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 48.5 and 65; the middle age was 56. James had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 18 years.
James was 51. 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. James had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 51. 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. James had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
February holds 18.8% of these deaths in MO, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 12.5%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
February holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lebanon Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 3rd 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
Lebanon Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lebanon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
