Roll of Honor
Incident
Jailer Uselton was shot and killed by a man who was angry that he could not get his friend out of jail. The man had come to the jail earlier in the night and began to argue with Jailer Uselton when he was informed the man would not be released. The suspect returned a few hours later, knocked on the door, and then shot Jailer Uselton through the door as he approached. The 61-year-old suspect was apprehended. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On August 6, 1984, he was released because he had cancer and needed constant care.
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BO-US-TN-32EDDD2D- Stewardship
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- 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.
Jailer Dispatcher Uselton served with the Whitwell Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Whitwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Dispatcher Uselton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Jailer Dispatcher James Alton Uselton 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Alton Uselton's cause is highlighted.
How James Alton Uselton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Alton Uselton is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Alton Uselton was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Whitwell Police Department are honored on badge.nw.