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Incident
Constable James Thomas was shot and killed in a case of mistaken identity while raiding a still near the Jefferson County - Cocke County line.
He had accompanied the county sheriff, a deputy, and another constable to the location at approximately 5:00 am. After hiking a half mile to the area the four split up to approach the still from different sides. As they arrived at the still Constable Thomas and the sheriff were fired upon by a group of federal agents from the Internal Revenue Service Alcohol Tax Unit who had the site under surveillance.
The sheriff and Constable Thomas were both struck by the gunfire, as was the other constable who ran to their aid.
All four federal agents involved in the incident were charged with murder.
Constable Thomas had served as an elected constable for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Constable Thomas gave the Jefferson County Constable's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dandridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
James is the only officer of Jefferson County Constable's Office remembered here.
James is one of 191 officers lost to accidents in TN, 24.8% of the 769 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 1 officer in TN was lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1946, 63 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1946, 68 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 54. Of the 183 lost to accidents in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 49; the middle age was 38. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 54. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 54. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; September holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 11.5%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Jefferson County Constable's Office.
Accident deaths account for 24.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Jefferson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.