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Incident
Town Marshal James Crocker was shot and killed while speaking with a citizen in front of the local Chevrolet dealership on Court Avenue in the downtown area of the town. The occupants of a passing car opened fire on him with a shotgun. Marshal Crocker was struck in the back of the head and killed instantly. The owner of the dealership was struck in the leg and wounded. It was believed that he was shot in retaliation for fatally shooting the son of a moonshining ring on a raid several weeks earlier. Marshal Crocker had served with the Selmer Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Town Marshal Crocker gave the Selmer Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Selmer community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Crocker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Selmer Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 9 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 50. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. James had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 50. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Selmer Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 12.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Selmer Police Department are honored on badge.nw.