Prev
Incident
Inspector James Hodges was shot and killed in Buckingham County while he and other state and federal prohibition inspectors raided a still near Arvonia.
The subject opened fire on the officers as they approached the still in a heavily wooded area. The man then stole two pistols from Inspector Hodges' body and fled the area. He was arrested at his daughter's home in Chesterfield County two days later.
He was subsequently convicted of Inspector Hodges' murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Inspector Hodges was survived by his wife and is buried at Chatham Burial Park in Chatham, Virginia.
Survivors
Inspector Hodges was survived by his wife and is buried at Chatham Burial Park in Chatham, Virginia.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnt41n23hzw2nn4616v7- 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.
Inspector Hodges served with the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Hodges.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 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 1932, 1 officer at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1932, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 48. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49.5; the middle age was 39.
James was 48. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 48. 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 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 12.5% of these deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement; August holds the most, 25%. Tuesdays: 25%.
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.9% 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
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
