Prev
Incident
Patrolman Hays and Patrolman Robert Rowland were shot and killed while attempting to question two brothers about a stolen automobile at the garage they operated in Franklin. One of the brothers was sentenced to life and one was sentenced to six years. The brother who was released after only six years went on to murder Deputy Sheriff Melvin Fleming, of the Davidson County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Department, and Detective Charles Mundy, of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department. The two were murdered after Deputy Fleming attempted to arrest the man in a restaurant for being drunk in public. The man was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout. Patrolman Hays had served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol for five months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmzc4r4gprntq52r92gf- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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.
Patrolman Hays served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hays.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kentucky Highway Patrol has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 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 1935, 2 officers at Kentucky Highway Patrol were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1935, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 38. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Kentucky Highway Patrol whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 0.3 years.
James was 38. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 38. 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 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 38. 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 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 40% of these deaths at Kentucky Highway Patrol, more than any other month. Saturdays: 40%.
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Saturdays: 19%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Kentucky Highway Patrol, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Kentucky Highway Patrol has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Kentucky Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
