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Incident
Marshal Parsons was shot and killed while watching a man at a local hotel who had made obscene remarks to several children. The man became disorderly and Marshal Parsons attempted to place him under arrest. A shootout ensued and Marshal Parsons was struck in the chest and fatally wounded. The suspect fled into the woods with a posse in pursuit of him. On September 22, 1904, he was apprehended in Texas. Marshal Parsons was survived by seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife.
Survivors
Marshal Parsons was survived by seven children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Marshal Parsons served with the Centralia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Centralia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Parsons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Centralia Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1903, 3 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 55. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41.
James was 55. 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 was 55. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 7.5% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Tuesdays: 10.2%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Centralia Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Centralia Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Centralia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
