Roll of Honor
Incident
Location: Tennessee Weapon: Handgun Offender: Not available
Policeman James Ellis was shot and killed by a subject whom he had previously arrested for disorderly conduct.
The man confronted Policeman Ellis on at a cafe on Roan Mountain in Carter County, Tennessee, just over the state line near Elk Park. During the ensuing argument the man shot Policeman Ellis, killing him. Despite his wounds, Policeman Ellis was able to return fire and wounded the man. The subject was convicted of murder in Carter County and died in jail shortly after being convicted.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-AAE1EE3A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Ellis served with the Elk Park Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elk Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman James Ellis 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 58 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Elk Park 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 Ellis's cause is highlighted.
How James Ellis Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Ellis is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Ellis was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Elk Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.