Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Jim Kennedy was shot and killed as he and another detective investigated a stolen car complaint at the Primeway Inn at 9340 Park West Boulevard in Knoxville. At 12:15 a.m., Detective Kennedy and another detective went to the hotel room to investigate a stolen car and domestic dispute. As Detective Kennedy attempted to force the door open, the suspect inside opened fire, striking him four times. Despite the wounds, Detective Kennedy was able to force the door open, but the suspect was able to close it again, keeping the other officers outside. The suspect then intentionally shot Investigator Kennedy another four times. The suspect then committed suicide. He was a parole violator who was wanted for murder in North Carolina. Detective Kennedy had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for two years and previously served with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-DCA34AD1- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Kennedy gave the Knox County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James Kenneth Kennedy 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 Knox County Sheriff's Dept., 7 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Kenneth Kennedy's cause is highlighted.
How James Kenneth Kennedy Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Kenneth Kennedy is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Kenneth Kennedy was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
