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Incident
Sheriff James Sizemore was shot and killed while serving warrants in Ephram Creek. He was shot five times with a high powered rifle as he stepped out of his car.
No person was connected with the murder until 42 years later when a grand jury indicted a suspect on May 3, 2012. The suspect was convicted in 2013 and received a life sentence.
Sheriff Sizemore had served with the Clay County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 11 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.
Sheriff Sizemore gave the Clay County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Manchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Sizemore.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clay County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 8 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 1969, 1 officer at Clay County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1899, with 2.
In 1969, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1969, 124 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1969, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 52. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Clay County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 48; the middle age was 44. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 52. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 52. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 52. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 12.5% of these deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Office; December holds the most, 12.5%. Sundays: 37.5%.
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 88.9% of all 9 deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Clay County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
