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Incident
Sheriff J.F. Newman succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 22 years earlier.
Two suspects shot Sheriff Newman with shotguns while he was walking the streets of Sweetwater. They were out on bond after Sheriff Newman had testified against them for horse theft. Sheriff Newman never recovered from the wounds and died as a direct result of his injuries.
The suspects were apprehended and served six years in prison.
Sheriff Newman had served with the Nolan County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Newman gave the Nolan County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sweetwater community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Newman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nolan County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1914, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 65. 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 6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 65. 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 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 65. 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 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in TX, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Nolan County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Nolan County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Nolan County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
