Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe Ben Jenkins was my uncle, I have a photograph of the Lynched John "Willy" Clark. The photo is hidden and stuck away due to its obvious ugly depiction of the past where people took the law into their own hands!

Rex Abernathy
Nephew

June 11, 2023

Chief Jenkins, on today the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cartersville.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 5, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 5, 2020

Police Chief J. B. Jenkins was murdered by John "Willy" Clark. Chief Jenkins, armed with a pistol and dressed in his nightclothes, approached the vehicle ... They became argumentative and Chief Jenkins informed them that they were under arrest ... At the same time, Mr. Oscar (Shorty) Green, a local cotton mill employee was driving by on his return from working a late shift. The chief hailed him down ... handed Green his pistol, and requested him to hold the suspects until he could return to his home to dress. As Chief Jenkins turned to enter his house, Willie Clark attempted to start his car. Retrieving his pistol from Green, the chief stepped closer to the vehicle and ordered Clark from the car. Clark grabbed the pistol and a struggle began. Clark was jerked out of the car and was struck on the head by a brick thrown by Oscar Green. ... Clark ... fired two shots. The first shot struck Chief Jenkins under the right eye and the bullet penetrated the brain, killing him instantly. The second shot was aimed at Oscar Green and grazed his ear. Green also sustained some severe bites during the struggle. Clark's brother fled the scene and Willie Clark drove away in the stolen Model A Ford with license plates from Cuthbert, Georgia. Chief Jenkins' son-in-law, Hugh Pettit, rushed out of the house in time to see his father-in-law shot and the car being driven away... Just before dawn, on South Bartow Street, Hugh Pettit discovered the stolen Ford ... Bartow County Commissioner A. V. Neal and Cartersville Mayor Jack Hill offered a reward of $1000 for the capture of Willie Clark ... Chief Jenkins' pistol was recovered in Chattanooga where it had been sold. ... Willie Clark was captured in Murray County on 9 September. He was wounded in the leg during the chase. ... During the ride to Cartersville, Clark admitted that he had fired the shot that killed Chief Jenkins but claimed that it was an accident. I just thought that this belongs here.

Jesus Matthews
Local Historian

March 22, 2020

Amy Allen's season one, episode eleven, has background story about the circumstances surrounding the death of J.B. Jenkins. Watch it.

A. Lynne

March 19, 2019

When I attended Douglas Street School in Cartersvile, by the door there was a white marble bench honoring Joe Ben Jenkins. His home was across the street. I don't know the location of the bench. If anyone knows and would email a photo, I would be so grateful. I am 78 and one of my memories of school was sitting on that bench.

Grace Howard (no rank)
None

November 3, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 83rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 28, 2013

rest in peace hope your family had a decent life after the lose of the patreairque was lost

greg f

March 24, 2013

Rest in Peace, Chief Jenkins. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Chief Joe Ben Jenkins, you have not been forgotten....

Pfc. Eric S. Black
Cartersville Police Department

November 24, 2003