CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Major CJ Jaynes has retired after more than three decades of dedicated service to wildlife conservation. Jaynes leaves behind a legacy of steadfast support for TWRA’s mission, embodied through the work of wildlife officers across the state.

Jaynes began his career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, studying zebra mussels and documenting the first evidence of their reproduction in Tennessee. He later conducted trout creel and telemetry surveys on the Hiwassee River and worked as a fishing guide before managing a guide shop. Inspired by conversations with TWRA officers Jim Lane and Ralph Bates, Jaynes applied for the Bradley County officer position and was hired in 1999. Jaynes was one of the first canine officers for TWRA. His partner Gus, a yellow lab, worked faithfully by his side for nine years. In 2007, Jaynes was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 2012, he advanced to Regional Major.

Throughout his career, Jaynes witnessed significant changes in Tennessee’s wildlife. He recalled a time when bears were heavily protected in the state’s bear reserve due to low populations. One of his proudest achievements was reestablishing turkey populations in Bradley and Polk Counties through a trapping program that relocated hardier populations from Middle Tennessee. Reflecting on this, Jaynes said, “I look at turkeys in those counties now and wonder if they’re genetically related to the populations I helped reestablish.

Jaynes considers serving and supporting Tennessee’s hunters and anglers, as well as building relationships within and beyond the agency, to be the highlight of his career. He took pride seeing officers grow in their roles and encouraged them to find joy in their work for the betterment of wildlife. Jaynes credits his wife, Wendy, as his greatest supporter, particularly given the demands of a career that required working holidays, evenings, and weekends. In retirement, Jaynes looks forward to spending time with his family, including his granddaughter, Charlie.

Colonel Dale Grandstaff shared, “CJ and I attended Tennessee Tech together and have spent over 30 years in wildlife law enforcement side by side. CJ has been a mentor when I needed guidance and a steadfast supporter of our efforts statewide. We will miss him at TWRA. I wish him and Wendy many joyful moments with their growing family, doing the things they love.”

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

(Photo by Richard Simms)