U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
James Shepherd
1980
James D. Shepherd served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Sergeant James Shepherd was shot and killed by a lone assailant in rural Clatsop County near Highway 30 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Sergeant Shepherd and another off-duty officer were in the area chopping wood. After shooting Sergeant Shepherd, the suspect took his motorcycle and fled the area. The suspect had been released from prison. He was apprehended six days later. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 2022 and 2025. In 2007, U.S. Marine Corps North Coast Detachment 1228 created the Clatsop County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award in honor of Sergeant Shepherd. Sergeant Shepherd was a United States Air Force veteran and served in the Korean War. He had served with the Oregon State Police Department for 23 years and was commander of the Astoria Patrol Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Oregon State Police
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpr1zxmnkhhggh0y72n6
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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