Special Deputy James Ireland Thacker, Pike County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

Special Deputy James Ireland Thacker

Pike County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Monday, January 23, 2012

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James Ireland Thacker

Special Deputy James Thacker was killed in an automobile crash on U.S. 460, just past Marrowbone Creek Road, at approximately 9:00 pm.

He was en route to Elkhorn City to serve civil papers towards the end of his shift when a speeding SUV crossed the center line and struck his patrol car head-on. The SUV then collided with another vehicle. Deputy Thacker succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle that caused the crash was charged with murder.

Deputy Thacker had served with the Pike County Sheriff's Department for one year and had previously served as an elected county constable for four years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters, four brothers, four sisters, and six grandchildren.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 5 years
Badge 71

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash

civil papers, vehicle crash

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You are missed so much and we will never forget you as long as we live. It makes me so sad you have missed watching all of the grandkids grown up, you would be so crazy about them. I see so much of you in the boys still. Its hard to think that is been 14 years since you have been gone.

Cathy Thacker Casey
Spouse

January 22, 2026