Hardeman County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch: Friday, July 26, 1974
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: July 26, 1974
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Charged with murder
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.
Sheriff McKinnie is buried in Hebron Cemetery, Bolivar, Tennessee.