Prev
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
neuraspine_01krbxtq0e6gc6ps0z5n03dbnk- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee County Sheriff's Office 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 1936, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 31. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
James was 31. 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 was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 19.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, 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 gun; unknown type, in 11.2% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Lee County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.