Incident
Sheriff Black was shot and killed after winning a hotly contested election for Sheriff two weeks earlier. The incumbent sheriff and two deputies helped a prisoner escape with the understanding that the prisoner would kill the sheriff-elect. The suspect went to Sheriff Black's house where he killed him. The incumbent sheriff and the two deputies were charged with murder. The escapee was later found dead.
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
142 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Black served with the Lamar County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Paris community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lamar County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 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 1884, 11 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1884, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1884, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 35. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 35. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. 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 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 16.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Lamar County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.4% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Lamar County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Lamar County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.

