U.S. Air Force · United States 
John Robert Klem
1985
John R. Klem III served the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. John served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff John Klem succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on September 15th, 1985, at 12:55 am while searching a subject. He had responded to a call at a convenience store about a man bothering the two female clerks at the Big K Truck Stop at 7060 U.S. 49 North. When Deputy Klem arrived he recognized the suspect as being involved in an incident the previous night. As he patted the man down the suspect suddenly attacked him. He gained control of Deputy Klem's weapon and shot him twice. Deputy Klem was transported to Forrest General Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. On June 29, 1987, the suspect, 26, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Deputy Klem had served with the Forrest County Sheriff's Office for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1959 – 1963
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Forrest County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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