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Incident
Patrolman James Thomas was shot and killed with his own service weapon while attempting to place two brothers in holding cells at the Pilot Mountain Police Department. After placing the second brother in a holding cell, he reopened the door to the other holding cell, at which point the subject inside attacked him. Both brothers were charged with murder and released after posting bail. The two were awaiting trial when on Saturday night, July 30th, 1966, one of the subjects shot and killed a man at a bar and grill ten miles east of Mount Airy. The next day, the subject was spotted in his vehicle by a Patrick County, Virginia, sheriff's deputy near Stuart, Virginia. When he stopped the car, the man jumped out and ran. When the deputy and several other officers cornered him, he committed suicide. Patrolman Thomas had served with the Pilot Mountain Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Thomas gave the Pilot Mountain Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pilot Mountain community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Thomas.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pilot Mountain Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 32. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 32. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 9.9% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Pilot Mountain Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Pilot Mountain Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Pilot Mountain Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
