Prev
Incident
Officer Johnson was killed when he was crushed between a car and a bridge trestle. He had stopped the car for investigation of run rumming. He got on the running board and ordered the car to drive to the courthouse. Within a block from the courthouse the driver deliberately ran Officer Johnson into the trestle causing fatal injuries. The driver, his wife, and another man were arrested and charged with murder. The 30-year-old driver was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 19 to 20 years in prison. Charges against his wife were dismissed after she spent ten months in jail. The other passenger was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtphbrp06pd9xth21d4hq- 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.
Officer Johnson served with the Ware County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Waycross community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Ware County Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 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 1931, 8 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ware County Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ware County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.