James E. Thomas
Commander, 1st Regiment
Tennessee State Guard

    LTC James E. Thomas is the Commander of the First Tennessee Regiment, Tennessee State Guard.  He served as First Regiment's Staff Judge Advocate General from July 2004 until January 2008. His most recent appointment was as Regimental Executive Officer from January 2008 until December 2011.

   LTC Thomas served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve from 1984 to 1996.  From 1984 to 1988, LTC Thomas served onboard USS Ranger (CV-61).  While onboard Ranger, he participated in two Northern Pacific Deployments (TEAM SPIRIT 86 and RIMPAC 87) and a Western Pacific Deployment beginning in July of 1987 and ending in late December of 1987.  After leaving active duty in April 1988, LTC Thomas served in the Naval Reserves onboard USS Copland (FFG 25) and with Special Boat Unit 13, Naval Special Warfare Group 1, NAB Coronado, CA.

   LTC Thomas' federal awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Battle 'E' award, Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Navy Sea Service Ribbon.

   LTC Thomas earned his Associate of Arts degree with Honors from South Western College, Chula Vista, California in 1995, his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego in 1997, his Juris Doctorate degree in 2001 from the University of Memphis and he has completed 33 hours towards his Master of Science degree in Criminology from Troy State University.

   LTC Thomas is a former law clerk to Chancellor Walter L. Evans, Chancery Court Part I in Memphis, Tennessee.  He has been in the private practice of law since 2001. The focus of his practice is criminal defense.