Prev
Incident
Deputy Gibson was shot and killed during a jailbreak from the jail in Nowata. Three prisoners had overpowered the Sheriff and took his gun. Hearing the commotion, Deputy Gibson walked into the jail and was shot and killed by the suspects. The three prisoners were captured within hours and two of them were hung in the town square that night by the townspeople.
Survivors
Deputy Gibson had been in law enforcement for 20 years and was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpf0vr9xcc39jh43k98y- 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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Gibson gave the Nowata County Sheriff's Office 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Nowata community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gibson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nowata County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1916, 4 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 60. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. James had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 60. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 60. 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 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Nowata County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.2% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Nowata County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Nowata County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.