I'm working on a graphic novel about pistol pete (frank eaton), and I'm looking for any info re: big jim starr. Does anyone know if he is one and the same as jim july? Any dates, records, etc., would be appreciated
-R McMurtry

Don't know if this is the same fellow you seek, but Bob Hutchins, a deputy out of Ardmore, and Bud Trainer, killed Jim Starr aka July. They were bound over to the Paris, Texas court and discharged by the grand jury. Territory Topics May 8, 1890. There's quite a bit about it in a book by Elmer Baker, called "Gunma's Territory," (Naylor Company, San Antonio, 1992) but how much you want to believe is up to you.
Starr was ambushed by these two deputies, badly wounded, and died shortly after making it to Fort Smith. He was very bitter toward the deputies as he had informed his bondsman, J. H. Mershon, that he was coming in and to lift the warrant Mershon had caused to be executed. Mershon did lift the warrant, but the word did not get out.
This from another post on this board: From the Ft. Smith Elevator: January 24, 1890
Jim Starr Shot
Capt. J. H. Mershon received a telegram Wednesday night from Jim Starr, alias Jim July, dated at Ardmore, stating that Starr had been badly shot by Bob Hutchins and Bud Trainor. Starr has been under indictment in the U. S. court here some time on a charge of horse stealing, and was on bond, Mershon being one of his bondsmen. He failed to appear for trial and his bond was declared forfeited. Mershon offered a reward for him, but last week withdrew it, as Starr had agreed to come in and surrender. In his telegram to Mershon Starr says: "I filled the bond and sent it to you and was fixing to come. Can prove same. If I die have Trainor and Hutchins tried for murder. They shot me foul."
J. A. Selzer telegraphs, "If possible for Jim Starr to be kept here I don't want him moved. He is too badly shot."
Starr says the officers claim they were arresting him for Mershon.
Mr. Mershon is absent in Texas, and could not be interviewed, but the Captain informed us several days ago the Jim had agreed to come in and give up, and that the reward was off."