Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Thomas was shot and killed as he and several other deputies raided a still in a heavily wooded area of the county. One of three men opened fire on the group, killing Deputy Thomas and wounding a second deputy. The shooter was wounded in the return fire and taken into custody. The other two were able to escape but were apprehended later in the day.
The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 to 28 years in prison.
Deputy Thomas was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Thomas was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-CD33C985- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Thomas served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sanford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James E. Thomas is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lee County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James E. Thomas's cause is highlighted.
How James E. Thomas Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 18 to 28 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James E. Thomas is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James E. Thomas was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
