Prev
Incident
Constable Jim Combs suffered a fatal heart attack after two men fired several rounds at him in Isom.
The two men were arrested and charged with murder and shooting with intent to kill. The first man was acquitted and charges against the second man were subsequently dropped.
Constable Combs was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Constable Combs was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnshv5n2p6005509zcs6- 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 James. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Combs served with the Letcher County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Whitesburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Combs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Letcher County Constable's Office has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 44 officers lost to cardiac events in KY, 4.5% of the 984 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, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 1 officer in KY was lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 36 years on record. The heaviest was 2024, with 4.
In 1951, 8 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 72nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1951, 8 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 72nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 56. Of the 41 lost to cardiac events in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 60; the middle age was 51.
James was 56. 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 was 56. 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.
When
September holds 4.5% of these deaths in KY; February holds the most, 18.2%. Sundays: 11.4%.
September holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
September holds 8.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Letcher County Constable's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 984 deaths in KY, 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 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Letcher County Constable's Office has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Letcher County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
