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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ball was shot and killed by an unknown person as he was attempting to arrest two suspects. His partner was also wounded.
Deputy Ball was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Deputy Ball was survived by his wife and two 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ball gave the McCreary County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Whitley City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ball.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McCreary County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 21 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Fridays: 12.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at McCreary County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
McCreary County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from McCreary County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
