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James Claxton
Incident
Deputy Game Warden James Claxton was shot and killed in Carroll County as he and two other wardens served a warrant on a man for using a double-wing net in violation of state game laws.
When the game wardens entered the man's houseboat on the Ohio River, in Carrollton, he picked up a double-barreled shotgun and pointed it at them. Game Warden Claxton opened fire on the man, missing him but wounding his son. The subject fired his shotgun, striking Game Warden Claxton. Despite being mortally wounded, Game Warden Claxton returned fire and seriously wounded the subject.
Deputy Claxton was survived by his wife, two young children, and mother.
Survivors
Deputy Claxton was survived by his wife, two young children, and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Game Warden Claxton served with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Game Warden Claxton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 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 1933, 14 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 25. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
James was 25. 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 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Saturdays: 19%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.2% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-WT
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are honored on badge.nw.
