Incident
Jailer Uselton was shot and killed by a man who was angry that he could not get his friend out of jail. The man had come to the jail earlier in the night and began to argue with Jailer Uselton when he was informed the man would not be released. The suspect returned a few hours later, knocked on the door, and then shot Jailer Uselton through the door as he approached. The 61-year-old suspect was apprehended. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On August 6, 1984, he was released because he had cancer and needed constant care.
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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.
Jailer Dispatcher Uselton served with the Whitwell Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Whitwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Dispatcher Uselton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Whitwell Police Department remembered here.
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 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 5 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 64. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
James was 64. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 64. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Whitwell Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 11% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-W
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