Henderson County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, Texas
End of Watch Monday, December 10, 1917
Add to My HeroesJames W. Hopson
Constable James Hopson was shot and killed as he and the county sheriff attempted to serve a warrant on a man suspected of stealing several firearms and other items from a local hardware store.
When the officers arrived at the house, the sheriff approached from the rear as Constable Hopson approached the front door. As Constable Hopson entered the house, the suspect opened fire, killing him. As the man fled he shot and wounded the sheriff.
The suspect was captured in Corsicana, Texas, nine days later. He was convicted of Constable Hopson's murder and sentenced to life in prison. On July 3, 1921, he escaped from Blue Ridge State Prison Farm.
Constable Hopson was survived by his mother and two brothers. He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Black Jack Cemetery in rural Henderson County.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsUncle James (Jim), you are remembered by your family and tribute has been paid by placing your name on the Fallen Officers memorial on the courthouse lawn in Athens, Texas. Retired Dallas county Deputy Terry Baker states the following:
From the file of Terry Baker, retired Deputy, Dallas Co. Sheriff's Dept.: In October, 2005 I completed the research on the case of James W. Hopson. I submitted my research files to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D. C. and the Texas Peace Officers Memorial in Austin, Texas. Constable Hopson was approved and his name placed on both memorials the next year.
The Hopson descendants placed a marker in the Blackjack cemetery in 2015 indicating his final resting place.
Wayne Smith
Great-nephew
February 15, 2018
Recent LODD Deaths
Officer Carlos Mendoza
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 24, 2021
Captain Justin Williams Bedwell
Decatur County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: March 1, 2021
Officer Cesar Dangaran Sibonga
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: February 7, 2021
Major Estaban "Stevie" Ramirez, III
Bell County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021
Reserve Deputy Constable Martinus Mitchum
Second City Court of New Orleans Constable's Office, LA
EOW: February 26, 2021
Police Officer Dominic J. Winum
Stanley Police Department, VA
EOW: February 26, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Albanese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: February 25, 2021
Corrections Officer IV Vicky James
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 10, 2021
Corrections Officer IV Tawiwo Obele
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: February 16, 2021