Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Bush was struck and killed by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver. He was directing traffic at the scene of an accident on South Third Street, near East Mitchell Road, when he was struck. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and charged with vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond. This incident led to the Memphis Police Department issuing reflective vests to every officer.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-2E8A09B5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Bush gave the Memphis Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bush.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James N. Bush, Jr. is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James N. Bush, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James N. Bush, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with vehicular homicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James N. Bush, Jr. is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James N. Bush, Jr. was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
