Prev
James Raymond Nolan
Incident
Special Agent James Nolan was killed when he accidentally fell beneath a freight train he was attempting to board in the railroad yards in East St. Louis, Missouri.
His body was located along the tracks near 21st Street and Central Avenue.
Special Agent Nolan had served with the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnyj3x04qdwr157e98r5- 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.
Special Agent Nolan gave the St. Louis Southwestern Railway Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Nolan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
St. Louis Southwestern Railway Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 3 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 17th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1921, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1921, 105 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 25. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 25. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 25. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.3% of these deaths in MO; August holds the most, 12.8%. Tuesdays: 9.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at St. Louis Southwestern Railway Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
St. Louis Southwestern Railway Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from St. Louis Southwestern Railway Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
