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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Williams was shot and mortally wounded in a gun battle with a suspicious man he attempted to question.
For several days people who lived near Penick, a small village six miles north of Lebanon had been frightened by the actions of a strange man who would run away when approached. When Deputy Willams and his posse attempted to approach the man, he drew two pistols and opened fire. As Deputy Williams fell with a bullet wound in his right side, he emptied his gun, killing the suspect. Four of his posse men were shot and wounded, two seriously.
Deputy Williams died from his wounds the next day.
Deputy Williams was survived by his wife and children
Survivors
Deputy Williams was survived by his wife and children
Deputy Sheriff Williams, On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Marion County.
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 Williams gave the Marion County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lebanon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Marion County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 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 15,743 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 1903, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 36. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 36. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Marion County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 1.6% 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; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Marion County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Marion County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
