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Incident
Deputy Royal was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at the scene of an accident.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
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 Royal served with the Phillips County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Helena community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Royal.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Phillips County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 92 officers lost to accidents in AR, 24.7% of the 372 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 3 officers in AR were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 55 years on record. The heaviest was 1998, with 7.
In 1978, 78 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1978, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 29. Of the 87 lost to accidents in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50.5; the middle age was 39.
James was 29. 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 29. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in AR; July holds the most, 13%. Saturdays: 19.6%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Phillips County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 24.7% of all 372 deaths in AR, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Phillips County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Phillips County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.