Hoxie ? Townspeople and fellow law enforcement officers packed a school gymnasium Tuesday for the funeral of Sheridan County Sheriff James L. Johnson, who was shot to death last week by a man he had just persuaded to be committed for psychological help.

Classes were canceled for the day at Hoxie High School in anticipation of what proved to be an overflow crowd that included Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Atty. Gen. Phill Kline.

Mayor Lori Horesky, who counted the 54-year-old sheriff among her closest friends, spoke of his 27-year career in law enforcement – nine as a Hoxie police officer and 18 as sheriff of the northwest Kansas county.

“I’m going to miss his sense of humor and his laughter,” Horesky said. “Jimmy was a big man with an even bigger heart.”

Johnson was gunned down Thursday in his office by Steven P. Reitcheck, 35, a Hoxie resident he had known for years. A deputy quickly returned fire, killing Reitcheck.

Investigators have said Reitcheck had been left distraught by the June 2003 death of his father in a collision with a drunken driver. His recent unusual behavior had included an attempt early last week to dig up his father’s coffin, which led Johnson to conclude Reitcheck needed help, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Moments after agreeing to a commitment to a mental health facility, Reitcheck pulled out a pistol and shot Johnson while the deputy was out of the room making arrangements, according to the KBI.

Johnson’s reputation for being ready to help others was a theme at his funeral.

“When others sought safety, Sheriff Johnson offered protection,” Kline said. “Where some were bent on violence, Sheriff Johnson sought resolution.”