The Death of Pensacola Police Detective James Jeffcoat
An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” coming soon.
An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” coming soon.
James Jeffcoat was born in Caryville on March 2, 1917. In the 1920s, he moved with his family to Pensacola. As a young man, he was a champion boxer in the Golden Gloves program. In 1936, he got a job as a waiter, and in 1938, he was working as a clerk. In 1941, he joined the U. S. Army and was sent overseas. He spent 46 months in the European Theatre, including storming the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. When he returned home to Pensacola after the war, he got a job as a cab driver. But he had his heart set on being a Pensacola Police Officer. That dream was realized on January 22, 1946. The Pensacola News Journal reported that James had been hired by Chief Willie O’Connell. Four years later, he was already sporting sergeant stripes!
James’ hobby was raising pigeons and he was pretty good at it. His expertise came in handy one Saturday in 1957 when a pigeon flew into one of the windows of the police station. After the fowl waddled into Captain Raymond Harper’s office, Sergeant Jeffcoat responded to a call from the good captain and correctly discovered that the bird was from New Orleans but could not fly home due to oil on its wings. The expert took the bird home, cleaned it up, and contacted the owner!
On April 25, 1961, James’ talent was beginning to get the attention of others, and he was promoted to the rank of Detective. As a sergeant, James Jeffcoat had been known all over town, especially the west side of town, as the guy that oversaw all day-to-day police matters. He had been instrumental in arrests, traffic crashes, and calls for help. He was everywhere! As a detective, he became involved in many cases, ranging from murders to burglaries to thefts.
On Friday morning, March 22, 1968 – 10 days after his 51st birthday – Detective Jeffcoat arrived at work as usual, and, as usual, faced a busy workload. He went to work in his office at the police station. Around 3 PM, he collapsed on the table in the detective’s meeting room. His fellow officers immediately called for an ambulance and together, they carried him downstairs where they were met by emergency workers. Detective Jeffcoat was pronounced dead on his arrival at Sacred Heart Hospital.
James was survived by his wife and two daughters. They attended First Methodist Church, where the funeral was held on March 24, 1968. He is buried in St. John’s cemetery.
By Mike Simmons
James Jeffcoat was born in Caryville on March 2, 1917. In the 1920s, he moved with his family to Pensacola. As a young man, he was a champion boxer in the Golden Gloves program. In 1936, he got a job as a waiter, and in 1938, he was working as a clerk. In 1941, he joined the U. S. Army and was sent overseas. He spent 46 months in the European Theatre, including storming the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. When he returned home to Pensacola after the war, he got a job as a cab driver. But he had his heart set on being a Pensacola Police Officer. That dream was realized on January 22, 1946. The Pensacola News Journal reported that James had been hired by Chief Willie O’Connell. Four years later, he was already sporting sergeant stripes!
James’ hobby was raising pigeons and he was pretty good at it. His expertise came in handy one Saturday in 1957 when a pigeon flew into one of the windows of the police station. After the fowl waddled into Captain Raymond Harper’s office, Sergeant Jeffcoat responded to a call from the good captain and correctly discovered that the bird was from New Orleans but could not fly home due to oil on its wings. The expert took the bird home, cleaned it up, and contacted the owner!
On April 25, 1961, James’ talent was beginning to get the attention of others, and he was promoted to the rank of Detective. As a sergeant, James Jeffcoat had been known all over town, especially the west side of town, as the guy that oversaw all day-to-day police matters. He had been instrumental in arrests, traffic crashes, and calls for help. He was everywhere! As a detective, he became involved in many cases, ranging from murders to burglaries to thefts.
On Friday morning, March 22, 1968 – 10 days after his 51st birthday – Detective Jeffcoat arrived at work at the PPD Headquarters, 40 s. Alcaniz St. as usual, and, as usual, faced a busy workload. He went to work in his office at the police station. Around 3 PM, he collapsed on the table in the detective’s meeting room. His fellow officers immediately called for an ambulance and together, they carried him downstairs where they were met by emergency workers. Detective Jeffcoat was pronounced dead on his arrival at Sacred Heart Hospital.
James was survived by his wife and two daughters. They attended First Methodist Church, where the funeral was held on March 24, 1968. He is buried in St. John’s cemetery.
By Mike Simmons
#oldpolicestories
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