Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Tillery was shot and killed while he and his partner searched a home in the red-light district. A man suddenly jumped out of a rear window and shot Patrolman Tillery twice. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Tillery was able to return fire but the suspect escaped.
Patrolman Tillery had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and child.
Survivors
Patrolman Tillery had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-596F59EB- 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.
Patrolman Tillery gave the Knoxville Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Tillery.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James M. Tillery 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 Knoxville Police Department, 12 of 17 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James M. Tillery's cause is highlighted.
How James M. Tillery Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James M. Tillery is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James M. Tillery was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Knoxville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
