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Captain James Baugh was killed in a single-vehicle accident while responding to a minor property-damage accident.
After checking the area northbound, he proceeded southbound on U.S. 231. He lost control of his patrol car, hit an embankment and overturned into Big Walnut Creek.
He was trapped inside his squad for over 15 minutes before being transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he died five hours later.
Captain Baugh, from Greencastle, had previously served as sheriff after being elected to office as a Republican in 1974 and 1978 to two, four-year terms.
He had also served with the Greencastle Police Department for four years.
Captain Baugh was survived by his wife, two sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and four sisters. One of his sons currently serves as the Putnam County sheriff.
Military Service
United States Air Force |
Memorial Tribute • In 2025, the bridge over Big Walnut Creek at U.S. 231 was designated the James Baugh Memorial Bridge in his honor. |
Read more on our research at Honoring Our Fallen Sheriffs.
