Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Ward was shot and killed as he attempted to raid an illegal gambling hall.
One of the gamblers was another deputy who did not like Deputy Ward and who was "protecting" the establishment. During the raid, the deputy shot and killed Deputy Ward. He was acquitted in the trial, claiming self-defense. However, the sheriff did not agree with the court and fired the deputy.
Deputy Ward was one of the first black deputies with his agency to be killed in the line of duty.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpws81fw4vxwen6rv407- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ward served with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tulsa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office has lost 11 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1919, 2 officers at Tulsa County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1919, 6 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
August holds 12.5% of these deaths at Tulsa County Sheriff's Office; October holds the most, 25%. Wednesdays: 37.5%.
August holds 7.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 72.7% of all 11 deaths at Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office has 11 officers remembered here, James among them.
-
Pleas Yargee
Oct 27, 1909
-
Charles Stamper Oct 9, 1910
-
John Ernst
Dec 25, 1910
-
Dewitt Clinton Cooley
Sep 15, 1915
-
James Ward Aug 20, 1919
-
William Thomas Beasley
Sep 11, 1919
-
James A. Sewell
Mar 24, 1925
-
Joe Cecil Clark
Feb 18, 1959
-
Wesley Green Cole
Jun 9, 1972
-
John Okafor
Apr 15, 2020
-
John Arthur Harris, II
Aug 19, 2021
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Tulsa County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
