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James Perry Bagwell
Incident
Jailer James Bagwell was stabbed to death inside the old Greenville County Jail, located at 32 East Broad Street, at approximately 1:05 am.
He and another jailer attempted to move an inmate from a cell with multiple prisoners into an individual cell when the man stabbed them both. The prisoner was being transferred because he had complained of being sick.
The man was subdued inside the jail by another jailer and a Greenville City police officer who was in the jail at the time.
The 23-year-old subject was convicted of Jailer Bagwell's murder and sentenced to life.
Jailer Bagwell had served with the Greenville County Jail for 18 months. He had previously served with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office for 11 years and the Liberty Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, four daughters, seven brothers, four sisters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Jailer Bagwell gave the Greenville County Department of Public Safety 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of South Carolina. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Bagwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Greenville County Department of Public Safety - Detention Division remembered here.
James is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 5 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1970, 138 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1970, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 63. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 12.5 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
James was 63. 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 12.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 63. 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 12.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Greenville County Department of Public Safety - Detention Division. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 1.1% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Greenville County Department of Public Safety - Detention Division are honored on badge.nw.