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Incident
Sheriff James Jasper was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two bootleggers. He was shot twice as he approached their car. Both suspects were arrested. One, 28, the gunman, was convicted of willful murder and sentenced to 16 years. The other suspect, 23, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 14 years. He was paroled in 1959. Sheriff Jasper had served in law enforcement for 25 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Sheriff Jasper served with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Somerset community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Jasper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has lost 9 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1952, 1 officer at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 2.
In 1952, 5 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 63. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 48; the middle age was 37.
James was 63. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
James was 63. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 63. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 37.5% of these deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 25%.
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 88.9% of all 9 deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.4% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Pulaski County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
