James Strickland

Hill Valley Sheriff in 1885

The sheriff of Hill Valley in 1885 who appears in Back to the Future Part III. He is an antagonist of Buford Tannen. Strict and resolute, he desires to sentence Buford to hanging.

Quotes

  • Bob Gale stated, 'My wish was to hang Buford.'
  • He is depicted as always maintaining a resolute posture toward his son.

Trivia

  • There exists an unreleased scene where he is shot by Buford on the way to the duel.
  • He greatly differs in appearance and hairstyle from his descendant Gerald Strickland.
  • His strict appearance as the 1885 sheriff stands out even within the series.

Alternate names

Sheriff Strickland Ancestor of Gerald Strickland

Tags

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
As the 1885 sheriff, he has long hair and a rugged appearance. Compared to his descendant Gerald Strickland, his hair is longer.
Distinguishing features
  • Long hair
  • Stern expression
Iconic items
  • Sheriff's badge
  • Western-style sheriff uniform
  • Gun

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Strict
Detailed personality
Resolute and strict personality who does not forgive criminals, especially at bitter odds with Buford Tannen and desires to hang him. He interacts with his son in a resolute manner and always educates him strictly.
Keywords
  • Strict
  • Resolute
  • Sense of justice
  • Antagonism
  • Sense of responsibility
Talents
  • Leadership as a sheriff
  • Marksmanship
  • Maintaining town security
Skills
  • Duel techniques
  • Law enforcement
  • Leadership
Motivation
Arrest and execution by hanging of Buford Tannen

History

Backstory
Serves as sheriff in 1885 Hill Valley. He has a long-standing antagonistic relationship with Buford Tannen, does not tolerate his brutality, and desires to arrest and hang him. He strictly educates his son Gerald Strickland. He is said to have been shot by Buford on the way to the duel in the story (unreleased scene).
Debut date
May 25, 1990
Work title
Back to the Future Part III
Media type
Movie

Enmity with Buford Tannen

Significant event
Enmity with Buford Tannen
Description
Continuously cracking down on Buford Tannen in 1885 Hill Valley, considering his hanging as the top priority.

Shot on the way to the duel

Significant event
Shot on the way to the duel
Description
Shot by Buford while heading to the duel between Marty and Buford (unreleased scene).

Education as a strict father

Significant event
Education as a strict father
Description
Depicted as strictly and resolutely educating his son Gerald Strickland.

Relationships

Media appearances

Back to the Future Part III

Movie / Supporting

Released in 1990

Voice cast and creators

Tamiomi Ōki

Voice actor
Tamiomi Ōki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Movie dubbed version

Seizō Katō

Voice actor
Seizō Katō
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Fuji TV version, etc.

Chikao Ōtsuka

Voice actor
Chikao Ōtsuka
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Asahi version

Jō Aoyama

Voice actor
Jō Aoyama
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Another version

Robert Zemeckis

Creator name
Robert Zemeckis
Role
Original author

Bob Gale

Creator name
Bob Gale
Role
Writer

Universal Pictures

Creator name
Universal Pictures
Role
Publisher

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