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Incident
Deputy Johnson was killed in an automobile accident while pursuing a vehicle. He and the Sheriff were en route to meet another officer to conduct an investigation when a car passed them at a high rate of speed weaving in the roadway. As the deputies pursued them the suspect's car went off of the roadway and kicked up a large cloud of dust. Deputy Johnson's patrol car then left the roadway, struck an object, then re-entered the roadway and was broadsided by another car. Deputy Johnson and the Sheriff were ejected from the vehicle and Deputy Johnson received fatal injuries.
Survivors
Deputy Johnson was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson served with the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Milaca community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 84 officers lost to accidents in MN, 28.7% of the 293 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, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1959, 3 officers in MN were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1959, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1959, 67 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 79th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 64. Of the 84 lost to accidents in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 32.8 and 53; the middle age was 41.5.
James was 64. 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 was 64. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
June holds 13.1% of these deaths in MN; May holds the most, 14.3%. Fridays: 26.2%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28.7% of all 293 deaths in MN, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.1% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
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
1 officer from Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
