Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jim Johnson was shot and killed on Pavo Road as he and the sheriff searched for a liquor still about five miles from Thomasville.
When Deputy Johnson discovered the still he was shot and instantly killed as he ordered two men to throw up their hands. The sheriff returned fire wounding the gunman, who was apprehended along with his father in a nearby farmhouse a short time later.
On October 22nd, 1917, the subject was convicted of Deputy Johnson's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned by Governor Clifford Walker on May 10, 1924.
Deputy Johnson was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Deputy Johnson was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-D76BAF6B- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Johnson served with the Thomas County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Thomasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Johnson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff J. W. Johnson is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In GA, 549 of 905 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 60.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Thomas County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. W. Johnson's cause is highlighted.
How J. W. Johnson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. W. Johnson is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. W. Johnson was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Thomas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
