Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Jim Clem was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was wanted in connection with a disturbance.
Two of the suspect's brothers were shot and killed during the ensuing search for the man. On September 2, 1928, several officers in Letcher County went to the man's home in search for him. While inside, Deputy Sheriff Joner Cornett was shot and killed. No one witnessed the shooting in which Deputy Cornett was killed and the suspect was able to escape unseen.
Approximately two months later the subject was located a moonshine still and killed in a shootout with deputies.
Patrolman Clem was survived by his wife. Poor Fork was renamed to Cumberland in 1926.
Survivors
Patrolman Clem was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-64A54E09- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Clem gave the Poor Fork Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Clem.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James C. Clem is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Poor Fork Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James C. Clem's cause is highlighted.
How James C. Clem Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James C. Clem is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James C. Clem was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Poor Fork Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
