Roll of Honor
Incident
County Policeman James McNair was shot and killed as he and several officers raided a liquor still.
The suspect, age 42, had recently been released from a prison chain gang where he stayed 20 years. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. During the next six years he was awarded five retrials, each one ending with a conviction of murder and another death sentence. On January 10, 1933, Governor Richard Russell commuted his sentence to life. On August 8, 1937, he escaped from prison. No record if he was captured.
The Butts County Police Department no longer exist.
The suspect, age 42, had recently been released from a prison chain gang where he stayed 20 years. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. During the next six years he was awarded five retrials, each one ending with a conviction of murder and another death sentence. On January 10, 1933, Governor Richard Russell commuted his sentence to life. On August 8, 1937, he escaped from prison. No record if he was captured.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
County Policeman McNair served with the Butts County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Policeman McNair.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
County Policeman James Edwin McNair is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 officers honored here.
In GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.8 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Edwin McNair's cause is highlighted.
How James Edwin McNair Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Edwin McNair is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Edwin McNair was killed by gun; unknown type.