Sherman Jumper, 72, died December 16, 2015, in Belleville, Illinois, after a small handgun discharged while he was carrying it inside a bag. A retired East St. Louis police captain who served nearly three decades, Jumper lived in Swansea with his family and was remembered as a dedicated public servant and family man.

His wife, Amelia Jumper, and children Audreair Wade, Sherman Jumper Jr., Gevelle Jason Jumper, De-lariao Pitts, Shermnita Miller, and Kristopher Massie survived him, along with twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Authorities determined the shooting was accidental; no arrests, suspects, or litigation resulted from the investigation.

If anyone knew Captain Jumper or has information about the circumstances that led to the accidental discharge, please share what you remember.