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Incident
Sheriff James Johnson was shot and killed while talking to a mentally ill person about the possibility of having him committed.
As Sheriff Johnson was speaking to him, he drew a handgun and opened fire, fatally wounding the sheriff. The shooter was then shot and killed by a deputy.
Sheriff Johnson had served as the sheriff of Sheridan County for 18 years, and had previously served with the Hoxie Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and six adult children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Johnson gave the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hoxie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Sheridan County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
James is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 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 2006, 1 officer in KS was killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 2006, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2006, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 54. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
James was 54. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 54. 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 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 10.1% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 8.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sheridan County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.4% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Sheridan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.