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James Maurice Bostick
Incident
Special Agent James Bostick was shot and killed in Gulfport, Mississippi, while conducting surveillance in the North Yard. During the surveillance Agent Bostick interrupted several suspects breaking into a boxcar. When he confronted them he was attacked and shot five times; twice in the arm and three times in the back of the head. The suspects then stole all of his personal items, including his gun and badge, and moved his body over 150 yards in an attempt to hide it under straw. His body was not located until early the next morning after his wife called the train yard to inquire on his whereabouts. A suspect was soon apprehended. Three weeks later another was apprehended in Gulfport. On May 29, 1974, a suspect, 20, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Three days later another, 23, was sentenced to death. In 1977 and 1978 both's sentences were commuted to life. One was paroled in 1986. The other was denied parole in March of 1996.
Survivors
Agent Bostick was survived by his wife 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.
Special Agent Bostick served with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Bostick.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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 1975, 4 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 48. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
James was 48. 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 was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 5.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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
Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
