JG
James Goodwin
1973
James Cletus Goodwin.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
What Happened
Sheriff James Goodwin suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to apprehend two juvenile inmates who were escaping from the Spencer County Jail at 9:00 p.m.
As he heard the commotion, he ran downstairs and captured one of the juveniles in the street. He collapsed as he escorted the boy back inside. While his son came to his aid, the juvenile fled.
The juveniles were apprehended the next day.
Sheriff Goodwin was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Spencer County Sheriff's Department for four years.
As he heard the commotion, he ran downstairs and captured one of the juveniles in the street. He collapsed as he escorted the boy back inside. While his son came to his aid, the juvenile fled.
The juveniles were apprehended the next day.
Sheriff Goodwin was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the Spencer County Sheriff's Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, five children, three brothers, three sisters, and four grandchildren.
Service Record
Also Served
Spencer County Sheriff's Department
Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnn6y3j1691g2d2m55f0
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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