Prev
Incident
Sheriff James Barclay was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for murder and auto theft. When surrounded by a posse the suspect shot and killed himself. Sheriff Barclay had served with the McDonough County Sheriff's Office for three years. He was survived by his wife, daughter and son. His son later went on to serve as a deputy sheriff and sheriff of McDonough County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqwcfnkfw42awn5s9e89- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Barclay gave the McDonough County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Macomb community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Barclay.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McDonough County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 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 15,743 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 1917, 18 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 51. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 51. 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 51. 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
May holds 7.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Fridays: 14.6%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at McDonough County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
McDonough County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from McDonough County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.