Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable James Jett and Deputy John Swan, of the Roane County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed as they attempted to raid an illegal liquor still seven miles north of Rockwood, Tennessee.
Several suspects were hiding in an ambush position in a barn. The suspects shot and killed both officers and attempted to conceal their bodies. The suspects tried to move the still to another location and then fled the scene. After several hours, the Roane County sheriff and Harriman City police chief went to the scene and discovered the two bodies.
Two suspects were eventually apprehended and charged in connection with the officer's murders. One was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was eventually released and died in Owosso, Michigan, on April 7, 1971. The other was convicted of second degree murder but the Tennessee Supreme Court reversed his case in 1927. On February 25, 1951, he was shot and killed at a cafe in Harriman, Tennessee.
Constable Jett was survived by his wife, three sons, and six daughters.
Survivors
Constable Jett was survived by his wife, three sons, and six daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-4EF5D2F6- 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.
Constable Jett served with the Roane County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Harriman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Jett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable James Allen Jett 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 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 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Roane County Constable's Office, 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 Allen Jett's cause is highlighted.
How James Allen Jett Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Allen Jett is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Allen Jett was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Roane County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
