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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Ramsey succumbed to gunshot wounds he received when he was shot while raiding a liquor still on a farm in Ashland. Deputy Ramsey, the sheriff, and two officers were searching a barn when the man shot Deputy Ramsey before fleeing. Deputy Ramsey was taken to his home, where he died from his wounds five days later. The suspect was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison. The Alabama Supreme Court granted him a new trial, and he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 17 years. In 1923, he was awarded a third trial, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to one year. Deputy Ramsey had served with the Clay County Sheriff's Office for seven months and previously served with the Ashland Police Department for at least two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three daughters, and four siblings.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Ramsey gave the Clay County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Piggott community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ramsey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clay County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 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 1920, 7 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 48. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. James had served 2.6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 48. 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 2.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 48. 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 2.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
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 80% of all 5 deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Clay County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
