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Incident
Police Officer James Lister suffered a fatal heart attack one day following his response to a fight on the Tempe Campus. He had returned to duty the next day and began to feel ill.
He was able to drive himself to a local hospital where he passed away.
Officer Lister had served in law enforcement for 33 years and had previously served with the Phoenix Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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
33 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Lister gave the Arizona State University Police Department 33 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Tempe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Lister.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Arizona State University Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 11 officers lost to cardiac events in AZ, 3.3% of the 330 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 1 officer in AZ was lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 10 years on record. The heaviest was 2005, with 2.
In 2010, 21 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2010, 21 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 54. Of the 10 lost to cardiac events in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 45.3 and 54; the middle age was 48. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 14 years.
James was 54. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 54. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 33 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
December holds 45.5% of these deaths in AZ, more than any other month. Thursdays: 18.2%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Arizona State University Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.3% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Arizona State University Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Arizona State University Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
