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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Kempson was shot and killed near Haralson while attempting to serve a warrant on a man wanted for theft.
The man was accused of stealing gasoline from a county-owned tractor parked on Gordon Road. Deputy Kempson located the man in a field nearby and advised him he was under arrest, at which point the man asked that the warrant be read to him. As Deputy Kempson read the warrant the man pulled out a gun and shot him several times. The man then took Deputy Kempson's gun and shot him several more times as he lay in a ditch.
Deputy Kempson was taken to his home where he succumbed to his wounds four days later. The suspect was shot and killed by a posse.
Deputy Kempson had served with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Kempson gave the Coweta County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newnan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kempson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Coweta County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 16 officers in GA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
James was 39. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 39. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 39. 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 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Saturdays: 20.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Coweta County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 15.3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Coweta County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Coweta County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
