At a Glance
1906 – 1974
Lightning-fast Oklahoma lawman and FBI agent, often called the perfect shot.
Schools
- Oklahoma City Police Department (from 1928)
- FBI (1934 to 1958)
Accomplishments
- Youngest detective in Oklahoma City PD history (1928)
- Recruited by the FBI after a 1934 gunfight
- Special Agent in Charge, El Paso (1941)
- Fast-draw demonstration featured in LIFE (1945)
1906 – May 1974
Jacob Adolphus “Jelly” Bryce
often described as “the perfect shot”
F.B.I.’s first Sharpshooter
- 1906 Born in Mt. View, Oklahoma
- 1934 – joined FBI, Special Agent
- 1954 – retired
About “Jelly” Bryce
Delf A. “Jelly” Bryce (1906-1974), also recorded as Jacob Adolphus Bryce, was an Oklahoma lawman and FBI agent whose speed and accuracy with a handgun made him a legend. Born in Mountain View, Oklahoma, he joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1928 at age 22 and became its youngest detective. His nickname came from slang for a sharp dresser.
After a July 18, 1934, gunfight at Oklahoma City’s Wren Hotel, the FBI recruited him. Bryce served as Special Agent in Charge in El Paso in 1941 and later in Albuquerque, headed the Oklahoma City office from 1956, and demonstrated and taught his shooting methods at the FBI Academy. LIFE magazine featured his fast-draw ability in November 1945, and Look followed in 1946. His career in law enforcement ran from 1928 to 1958. In retirement he farmed near Mountain View, gave shooting exhibitions and ran for governor of Oklahoma. He died on May 12, 1974, while attending an FBI reunion, and remains a reference point in discussions of combat pistol skill.
Key Facts
- December 6, 1906: Born in Mountain View, Oklahoma
- 1928: Joined the Oklahoma City Police Department
- July 18, 1934: Wren Hotel gunfight that led to his FBI recruitment
- 1941: Special Agent in Charge, El Paso
- November 12, 1945: Featured in LIFE magazine
- 1958: Retired from the FBI
- May 12, 1974: Died at age 67
Sources
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