Thomas County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 8, 1917
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 8, 1917
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Pardoned in 1924
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.