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Incident
Detective Jim Kennedy was shot and killed as he and another detective investigated a stolen car complaint at the Primeway Inn at 9340 Park West Boulevard in Knoxville. At 12:15 a.m., Detective Kennedy and another detective went to the hotel room to investigate a stolen car and domestic dispute. As Detective Kennedy attempted to force the door open, the suspect inside opened fire, striking him four times. Despite the wounds, Detective Kennedy was able to force the door open, but the suspect was able to close it again, keeping the other officers outside. The suspect then intentionally shot Investigator Kennedy another four times. The suspect then committed suicide. He was a parole violator who was wanted for murder in North Carolina. Detective Kennedy had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for two years and previously served with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Kennedy gave the Knox County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Knox County Sheriff's Department has lost 11 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1984, 1 officer at Knox County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1984, 1 officer in TN was killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1984, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1984, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 29. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Knox County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 42.5; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 2 years.
James was 29. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 29. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 29. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 14.3% of these deaths at Knox County Sheriff's Department; July holds the most, 28.6%. Tuesdays: 28.6%.
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 11 deaths at Knox County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 24.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Knox County Sheriff's Department has 11 officers remembered here, James among them.
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Doctor A. Shipe May 21, 1888
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William Walker
Jul 21, 1906
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George S. Williams Jun 3, 1927
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Ralph W. King
Sep 12, 1933
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Harley Beecher Nelson Jul 6, 1947
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James Kenneth Kennedy
Mar 27, 1984
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Steve Keith McCulley
Feb 16, 1999
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Angela K. Payne
Feb 26, 2000
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L. Keith Lyon
May 9, 2006
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Toby Jay Keiser
Jan 18, 2021
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Tucker Blakely
Oct 2, 2023
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
