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Incident
Deputy James McRee succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile accident the previous day. He and two other deputies were en route to the Plateau section of the county to serve search warrants at four homes when their vehicle left the roadway and went down a 30-foot embankment. The other deputies and a civilian passenger were injured in the accident.
Deputy McRee had served with the agency for 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
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 McRee gave the Catawba County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff McRee.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Catawba County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 1 officer in NC was lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 48. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
James was 48. 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 had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 48. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 11.2% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Catawba County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Catawba County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Catawba County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
