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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Marsden was shot and killed after responding to a call at a gas station for a report of a man not paying for gas while off duty. As he placed the man in his car, a struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to gain control of Deputy Marsden's service weapon and shoot him. The incident was witnessed by Deputy Marsden's wife, who had accompanied him on the call. The suspect was arrested two days later. A jury acquitted the 22-year-old suspect, who claimed self-defense, on December 19, 1957. Since he was on parole when the shooting occurred, his parole was revoked, and he went back to jail. Deputy Marsden had served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for 28 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
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
25 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Marsden gave the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Hillsboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Marsden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 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 1957, 1 officer in MO was killed feloniously, the 106th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1957, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1957, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 69. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. James had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 69. 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 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 69. 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 25 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.3% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
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 50% of all 4 deaths at Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.7% 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
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jefferson County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
