Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jim Cornett was shot and killed while attempting to arrest an intoxicated man at a roadhouse in a rural area 12 miles from Hazard on the Perry-Leslie line.
As he made the arrest, the subject and another man both opened fire. Despite being fatally wounded, he was able to return fire and killed the subject. The other suspect and his brother were both arrested and charged with murder.
Deputy Cornett was survived by his wife and 10 children.
Survivors
Deputy Cornett was survived by his wife and 10 children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B16191E8- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cornett served with the Perry County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hazard community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cornett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Cornett 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Perry County Sheriff's Office, 19 of 19 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 Cornett's cause is highlighted.
How James Cornett Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Cornett is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Cornett was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from Perry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
