Prev
Incident
Deputy James Cook was killed in an accident while responding to a domestic violence call. As Deputy Cook was responding, a deer struck the front of his cruiser causing his vehicle's airbag to inflate and obstruct his view. Deputy Cook's vehicle ran off the roadway, struck several trees and killed him instantly. Deputy Cook had served with the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtr2fh6268dsk493pk6p3- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Cook gave the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cook.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of DeWitt County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
James is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1993, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1993, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1993, 69 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 75th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 36. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Sundays: 16.1%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at DeWitt County Sheriff's Department.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from DeWitt County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.