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Incident
Sheriff Kennedy was shot and killed when a store manager mistook him for a burglary suspect in Madisonville. The store manager had received information that the store was about to be burglarized and called the sheriff at 0200 hours. The sheriff and a deputy arrived at the store before the store manager and began searching for signs of a burglary. The store owner arrived at the scene as Sheriff Kennedy came from around the back of the store with his pistol drawn. The sheriff shined his flashlight at the manager, obscuring his view. The manager, thinking that Sheriff Kennedy was one of the suspects, opened fire, killing him. The store manager was found not guilty of any crimes in connection with Sheriff Kennedy's death. Sheriff Kennedy had previously been shot in the line of duty two times. Prior to being elected sheriff he had served 8 years as a deputy marshal for the United States Marshals Service.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 13 children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Kennedy gave the Monroe County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Madisonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
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 1930, 1 officer at Monroe County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1930, 8 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 47. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Monroe County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 36.5 and 46.3; the middle age was 42.5. James had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 47. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 47. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 47. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 16.7% of these deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office; January holds the most, 16.7%. Wednesdays: 33.3%.
March holds 8.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Wednesdays: 14.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 11% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
