Patrolman James C. Jantz, Sauk County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

Patrolman James C. Jantz

Sauk County Sheriff's Department, Wisconsin

End of Watch Monday, August 21, 1961

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James C. Jantz

Patrolman James Jantz was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped three armed men on Highway 12 west of Judson Street in Lake Delton.

Before 2:00 a.m., Patrolman Jantz and the Lake Denton police chief were following a vehicle filled with three men who were under surveillance. When they stopped the vehicle, they were shot as they exited their patrol car. Patrolman Jantz was shot twice and instantly killed. The chief was struck under his armpit after the bullet was deflected by a cigarette lighter in his pocket. Another officer arrived at the scene and fired at the fleeing suspects.

The three men were wanted in Chicago for several murders and for shooting at police officers. The suspects were all found guilty of Patrolman Jantz's murder. They were sent to prison and eventually paroled. One of the suspects had escaped prison in 1974 and was not captured until 1989, but was still paroled.

Patrolman Jantz was a United States Army Reserve veteran and had served with the Sauk County Sheriff's Department for 3 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled

felony stop, suspicious person

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sixty four years ago this month we lost Jim Jantz a wonderful son, father, and my husband.
Time passes and many think memories fade. However, for those who have lost their loved ones , memories never fade. We only wish that we would have had more time with those that we lost, to make new memories.
My wishes were ones that my sons would have been blessed to have known their father . They lost out on a childhood with the two parents that loved them.
Jim was a wonderful man, he loved me and was so excited to have our first child, Timothy. Before he passed he knew a second was on the way.
Timothy and Brian have made their way through this world to become very good men. Their father would have been very proud of them as am I.
May all who have lost love ones know that this family understands the loss and heartache that they are going through.
My prayers are that all those brave men and women will never be forgotten.
Most, sincerely,
Barbara Jantz
Wife of James Jantz

Wife of officer James Jantz
Wife of James C Jantz

August 13, 2025