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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Blair was shot and killed while transporting a subject from an involuntary psychiatric evaluation at a mental health facility at 3087 Mississippi 13 in Mendenhall.
The evaluation had just completed, and Deputy Blair was placing the man back into the patrol car when he was attacked. The subject was able to gain control of Deputy Blair's service weapon and fatally shot him before fleeing on foot.
The man was apprehended the following day.
Deputy Blair had served in law enforcement for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife and grandsons, whom they are raising. He was predeceased by his daughter.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and grandsons, whom they are raising.
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
50 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Blair gave the Simpson County Sheriff's Office 50 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Mendenhall community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Blair.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Simpson County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 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 2020, 1 officer at Simpson County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2020, 1 officer in MS was killed feloniously, the 70th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 2020, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2020, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 77. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Simpson County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 64.5; the middle age was 47.5. James had served 50 years; the middle length of service was 39 years.
James was 77. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. James had served 50 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 77. 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 50 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 77. 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 50 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 33.3% of these deaths at Simpson County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 33.3%. Fridays: 33.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Simpson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 9.1% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Simpson County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Simpson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
