Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Jim Hildreth was shot and killed trying to apprehend a group of suspects in an attempted vehicle theft on Rock Spring Road. Patrolman Hildreth was hit by a rain of bullets from a group of teenagers. The fatal shot to the officer was a shot between the eyes in the exchange of bullets with occupants of a get-a-way car which was leaving the scene of a theft attempt. He died a few hours later in a Knoxville hospital. Four boys and two girls were apprehended a short time later. Two of the boys, ages 19 and 18, were convicted of voluntary manslaughter. One was sentenced to 2 to 5 years and the other to 2 years in prison. The other two, ages 19 and 17, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to one year in the county jail. The girls were released. Patrolman Hildreth was a WWII veteran and served with the Lenoir City Police Department for three months. He was survived by his expectant wife, two daughters, a brother, and a sister. His son was born later and resembles him. He was buried in Banks cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, two daughters, a brother, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-A9D3F5E3- 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
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Hildreth served with the Lenoir City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lenoir City community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Solon Hildreth served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman James Solon Hildreth 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 Lenoir City Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Solon Hildreth's cause is highlighted.
How James Solon Hildreth Compares
Offender Outcome
robbery
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Solon Hildreth is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Solon Hildreth was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lenoir City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
