Meet James L. Thomas III
James L. Thomas III comes from a family grounded in faith and public service. His father is a proud U.S. Army veteran, instilling in James the values of discipline, resilience, and commitment to others. Both of his parents serve as pastors, dedicating their lives to uplifting families and strengthening the community. Their leadership and compassion shaped James’ belief that true service starts with heart and that building a stronger Fayetteville begins with serving its people.
Born and raised in the heart of Fayetteville’s District 1, James L. Thomas III is a product of this community and a champion for its future. He attended Howard Hall Elementary, Pine Forest Middle School, and Pine Forest High School, where he was part of the Academy of Information Technology.
James graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology in 2021 and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Project Management at Wake Forest University.
He has served as Freshman Class President at NC A&T, a mentor for Kingdom of Youth, and a manager at Defy Gravity. His public service record includes internships with MDC Rural Forward, Microsoft/Pinkerton, Black Voters Matter, . James also served on the Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council (Vice Chair at 18), worked with Cumberland County Parks & Rec, and continues to be a voice for equity, opportunity, and justice.
Beyond education and mentorship, James has also been deeply involved in policy work and nonprofit collaboration. Through his internship with MDC, James supported the Local Partnership for Public Funding (LPPF), a regional initiative that helps local and state governments distribute public dollars to trusted nonprofit organizations. His work focused on gathering best practices from partner organizations, improving data tracking systems, and creatively sharing success stories with the public. This experience strengthened his belief in data-driven decision-making, transparency, and community-centered solutions.
James also works closely with Fayetteville PACT, a local grassroots organization focused on public safety, police accountability, and community empowerment. His involvement includes organizing events, promoting civic education, and advocating for policies that reduce violence while building trust between residents and institutions. This work reinforces his commitment to addressing gun violence, neighborhood safety, and systemic change through direct community engagement.