Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff James McKinnie was killed when the patrol car he was riding in was struck by a drunk driver at the intersection of Highway 100 and Vildo Road.
The driver of the other vehicle was arrested and charged with second degree murder, driving while intoxicated, and failing to yield right of way.
Sheriff McKinnie was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served as sheriff for two years. He was survived by his wife and eight children. His wife was appointed to complete his term as sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-F7684C69- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff McKinnie gave the Hardeman County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bolivar community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Davis McKinnie, Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sheriff James Davis McKinnie, Jr. 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 Hardeman County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 25% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Davis McKinnie, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James Davis McKinnie, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Davis McKinnie, Jr. is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Davis McKinnie, Jr. was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Hardeman County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
